School-to-Work

What is the School-to-Work Program?

The School-to-Work program supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It helps them have a seamless transition from school to a job. School-to-Work provides employment services to students who are: 

• Enrolled with the Developmental Disabilities Administration.  
• Enrolled with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  
• In the last year of their school transition program, from age 20 through 22. 
• Live in an area of the state providing School-to-Work. 

The goal is to have a job before students exit school. 

To learn about other transition services for students and youth, visit Student and Youth VR Transition Services | DSHS.  

How does School-to-Work work?

• County Developmental Disabilities programs and Tribes may work with schools and DDA to find students who are eligible for School-to-Work.   
• Once identified, students work with their team to identify an employment goal. The team includes:
  
  • vocational counselor
  • parents or guardians
  • school staff
  • employment agency
  • and others.

• The student then works with their team to get paid employment before they exit school. 

This process supports students getting connected to adult services and their community. This is important as their team changes from people in their school to people who will help them after they leave school. 

What are some benefits of School-to-Work?

• Giving students the chance to get a job before they graduate and leave school.
• Helping students connect to important adult services that can support them. 
• Sharing information with families about available services for their loved ones.
• Encouraging students to take an active role in planning for their future.
• Making the transition from school to adult services smooth.

Learn more about activities to support students in transitioning from school into adult services: 

• Transition Services by the DSHS’ DDA | Informing Families

Find a School-to-Work Program in Your Area

Contact the County Developmental Disabilities Programs at the links below to learn more about how to sign up. School-to-Work programs in Washington state are available in the following counties: 

• Asotin County 
• Garfield County (served by Asotin County) 
• Island County 
• Jefferson County 
• King County 
• Kitsap County 
• Mason County (served by Thurston County) 
• Pend Oreille County (served by Spokane County) 
• Pierce County 
• Snohomish County 
• Spokane County 
• Thurston County 
• Walla Walla County 

Senate Bill 5790

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5790.  

The legislation supports: 

• Establishing School-to-Work programs across Washington state. 
• Creating a data share agreement through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. For more information, go to:  
  
  • Consent form informational one-pager for students and families 
  • Consent form informational one-pager for schools 
• Developing a statewide transition council. 

Additional Information for Tribes and Counties

• School-to-Work Programs with Tribes
• School-to-Work Contracts with Counties
• Statewide Transition Council

Contact the DVR School-to-Work Team

To contact the School-to-Work Program staff at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, please email DVRSchooltoWork@dshs.wa.gov.