A group of SummerWorks students head out to tour the 911 Dispatch Center in April.

Students aged 16-21 in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties who are interested in gaining employment skills are encouraged to apply for a series of professional development classes aimed at placing them in jobs over the summer. Students must have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan to meet eligibility requirements for the program.

Funded by the Workforce Innovative Opportunity Act through the Workforce Southwest Washington, the program can serve up 220 youth who complete 40 hours of pre-employment skills training. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to work 90 hours at $12 per hours at a location that best fits their interest and skills level.  Students must be able to work independently and provide their own transportation to and from classes and job site.

Classes are held in June and July at the NEXT Center, 120 NE 136th Avenue, Suite 130 in Vancouver. As part of the classes, students meet with SummerWorks staff members to determine job placement. While staff actively continue to recruit student participants and businesses, several worksites are already signed up including a floral shop, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, Peace Health, a quilting shop, a produce shop, an auto body shop, and childcare sites, to name a few.

To schedule an appointment to learn more about enrolling, students are encouraged to contact Becky Mohagen, Program Coordinator, at 360-952-3453 or via email at becky.mohagen@esd112.org.