Adult Transition Program

Stanwood-Camano School District's Adult Transition Program

The Adult Transition Program is operated by the Transition Center on the east side of the Stanwood Middle School campus. The center offers support to young adults with unique needs as they transition into the workforce.

The program provides students with a variety of services, and partners with local businesses to provide on-job training and internship opportunities.

This real-world work experience is an essential ingredient for a successful transition to adulthood for our young adults in special education. The willingness of our local business partners helps students learn valuable skills and gain confidence.

Our mission

  • Providing vocational training and fostering community connections for students with unique needs.

  • Supporting young adults, ages 18-21, as they transition to life after high school by building independence and work skills.

Our program endeavors to:

  • Include & integrate young adults (ages 18-21) into the community

  • Increase access to social and leisure activities

  • Make appropriate referrals to relevant services & agencies

  • Develop vocational skills leading to increased independent living

Program information

Adult Transition Program is for students in the Stanwood-Camano School District who are 18-21 years of age in special education. Students entering the program have already completed all four years of high school.

The adult transition program is a community and vocationally based program. Many students are placed in unpaid internships with local businesses based on each student’s strengths, interests, and independent skill level.

This series of internships gives these young adults a better understanding of their preference and potential for employment. School staff serve as job coaches. IEP goals are centered on Work Readiness, Self Advocacy, and the Essential Functions of several job types.

Most students prepare for a part time, entry-level job where they can work independently with minimal accommodations.

How you can help

  • Simply share your success story: If you or a colleague has navigated challenges like autism, dyslexia, or a disability and found success in the workforce, we would love for you to share your story! This insight can be a beacon of hope for our students.

  • Short-term unpaid internships: We're seeking businesses or organizations that need volunteers open to providing short-term unpaid internships, usually around 2 hours at a time. This is a chance for our students to acquire hands-on experience and refine their skills. If you're open to it, we also have small groups of students who can intern collectively, bringing diverse abilities to your tasks.

  • Mentorship opportunities: Share your industry expertise by mentoring a student. It might just spark a lifelong passion.

  • Guest speaking: Lend your voice and insights about your field, the required skills, and the daily intricacies of your profession.

  • Potential employment: If an intern aligns well with your business ethos, there's always the potential for longer-term employment, though this isn't a requirement.

  • Workplace preparation: Our program emphasizes both hard and soft skills, ensuring that students are work-ready when they exit the Transition Program.

Start the process today!

Complete this simple online form to begin partnering with our Adult Transition Program

Contact us

Email: Lisa Dean, Transition Teacher, at [email protected] or Sara Stiers, Job Developer, at [email protected]

Call: 360-629-1263