School-to-Work Transition Program

For more than 30 years, the School-to-Work Transition Program (STWTP) has provided a continuum of transition services to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students to develop their skills and help them achieve their highest level of independence.

STWTP aims to provide social and vocational opportunities in real-world settings. The program focuses on abilities and on promoting and supporting the highest capacities of our students in their personal and professional development. STWTP assists and supports students with their goals as they journey toward responsible citizenry.

The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals—special education teachers who are connected to the Community Assessment and Training Program, employment training specialists, paraprofessionals, a children's health assistant, and a school social worker—to meet the many vocational, academic, and social and emotional needs of students. STWTP has partnerships with more than 20 businesses and organizations in the city through the following programs.

Opportunities for Students

In general, students can participate in STWTP experiences for a maximum of four semesters, but all decisions are based on individual student's needs. The program is divided into several distinct sections:

Community Assessment and Training Program (CATP)

Students earn credits while working in the Milwaukee community. They learn vocational skills and receive specialized instruction to meet their individual needs and goals, which are aligned to each student's individualized education program (IEP) and transition plan.

On-the-Job Experience (OJE)

Students who have demonstrated being almost ready for competitive employment learn essential skills required for employment and receive the opportunity to practice and demonstrate these skills in a work environment with the support of a professional affiliated with STWTP. Students earn credits toward diploma requirements.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Students who have achieved a level of independence and consistently demonstrate their employability skills but still require some additional training can work to earn credits toward graduation while getting paid from STWTP. Students may only participate in one OJT experience. 

Employment Training Program (ETP)

This program provides an additional layer of service to students who are in their last year of high school and who have developed skills needed for employment. Employment training specialists provide additional instruction and support, and they create opportunities for students to link with businesses so that students can become employed.

Project SEARCH

Through a partnership among STWTP, Goodwill Industries, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Milwaukee County, students have the opportunity to participate in Project SEARCH. This unique, business-led school-to-work program takes place over a full school year entirely at the workplace: Mitchell International Airport. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through work site rotations for students who are in their last year of high school and who have developed skills needed for employment.