The Summit (18-21 year old students)
WHAT IS 'THE SUMMIT'?
The Summit began in January 2017 to help students 18-21 years of age with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition from high school to the workforce. These students, who have completed their high school requirements, can still be in school through 21. The Summit works with students who aren’t sure what to do after high school by focusing on independent living skills and the transition to the workplace. Students are given opportunities to have work experience and build their resumes for gainful employment. The kids are incredible, and the program is growing!! We are so excited for these young adults and what the future holds for them!
OUR GOAL: All students will leave with work strengths identified and skills necessary for paid employment.
Become a Summit student
Students can apply for entry at any time. Applications are reviewed throughout the school year.
Program Information
Students will learn how to advocate for themselves, how to experience friendships, self-care & downtime, as well as volunteer opportunities to strengthen community connections.
Students in Track 1 will begin working on resumes, job shadowing, finding out their strengths and preferences, and more. They will get the support they need to become work-ready. Track 2 students will continue to update their resumes while actively pursuing work.
We believe that connecting students to community resources is part of their success. Working with other partners such as Big Bend Community College, SkillSource, NCESD, DVR, the Food Bank, and DDA, all allow our young people and their families to have the resources needed for current and future success.
TRACK 1
- Identify interests
- Gain experience in volunteering
- Learn to write a resume
- Discover hobbies
- Learn how to spend downtime
- Create personal power points for IEP meetings
- Make a needed connection with DVR/DDA
- Budgeting
- Time management
- Work on the basics...what do I need to get a job, keep a job, expectations of employers, etc.
TRACK 2
- Build a resume
- Begin to fine-tune interests
- Explore opportunities (food handlers card, $ and comfort with budgeting, making change, etc., opening a savings account)
- Explore BBCC / audit a class (Is college right for me?)
- Short-term internships to peak job interests, building a portfolio
- Day job vs. Dream job
- Obtain gainful employment!
- Portfolio complete
- Make a final connection with DVR or DDA for life after The Summit
Meet Joy McClendon
My name is Joy McClendon. I joined Moses Lake School District in August of 2015. I created the Summit in January 2017 and completed my Masters in Special Education in May 2018. I have lived in Moses Lake for over 25 years and have raised my family here. I believe in our youth and have a deep passion to support and empower them as they take on adulthood. Every student deserves success beyond high school.