IN-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM

Rockford Public Schools
School to Work Program
1900 N. Rockton
Rockford, IL 61103
(815)966-3200 Ext. 242

Description of Services

The Rockford Public Schools’ School to Work program works to place WIA eligible juniors and seniors ages 16 to 21 who are receiving vocational Special Education in permanent, competitive employment by the time they graduate from high school or soon after they graduate. The program provides vocational instruction (another funding source), work readiness skills training, and intensive placement assistance, focusing on extensive job coaching. While in the program, the youth may enter subsidized or unsubsidized work experiences with employers. Historically, many employers hire youth outright. Youth are coached by job coaches during their initial months on the job.

Program runs year-round, with the summer component including tutoring, mentoring, counseling and/or job placement follow-up. Youth who enter the program in their junior year will be in the program two years.