Are you ready to jumpstart your career in a supportive and engaging environment? For individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism looking to gain meaningful employment, a specialized vocational program can be the perfect stepping stone. These programs are designed to provide the skills, experience, and support needed to succeed in today’s job market.
Discover the College to Career (C2C) Program: Your Path to Employment
The College to Career (C2C) program is a comprehensive, three-year initiative focused on career and technical education. Its primary goal is to create and expand opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to achieve gainful employment following postsecondary education. While the program spans three years to provide thorough support and development, the core career-focused training and practical experience are concentrated within the final two years, making it an intensive 2 Year Career Program.
Located at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), the C2C program is part of a statewide network of similar initiatives in California. It proudly partners with organizations like the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to ensure participants receive robust and well-rounded support.
Alt text: Official logo of the California Department of Developmental Services, a key partner of the College to Career program, emphasizing state-level support for vocational training.
Admission to the C2C program is competitive, reflecting its commitment to providing personalized attention and resources. Approximately 20 new students are accepted each fall semester. The application process involves submitting an application and participating in an interview with the C2C Coordinator to ensure a good fit for both the student and the program.
The C2C program is structured over three years to provide a progressive and supportive pathway to employment. Students participate in cohort-based classes as well as individual college courses and activities, ensuring a blend of specialized and inclusive learning experiences.
Program Breakdown: A 2 Year Career Focused Curriculum
While the program extends to three years for comprehensive support, the intensive career training and practical application are strategically delivered in the latter two years:
Year 1: Exploration and Foundation
This initial year is dedicated to building a solid foundation. Students engage in:
- College and Community Orientation: Becoming familiar with Santa Rosa Junior College resources and navigating community support systems.
- Career Exploration: Identifying career interests and assessing individual employment support needs.
Year 2: Intensive Career and Technical Training
Year two marks the start of the intensive 2 year career program core. It focuses on hands-on skill development and practical experience:
- Workplace Success Skills: Developing essential skills for professional success, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Career and Technical Work Experience: Gaining practical work experience in chosen career and technical fields.
- Specialized Coursework: Participating in relevant career and technical training courses aligned with individual employment goals.
Year 3: Supported Employment and Community Integration
The final year is dedicated to transitioning into the workforce with ongoing support:
- Job Placement and Training: Receiving job training and placement assistance in community-based roles related to their on-campus work experience.
- Advanced CTE Training: Continued participation in Career and Technical Education courses to refine skills and enhance employability.
- Community Vocational Support: Connecting with community agencies like the Department of Rehabilitation for sustained vocational support.
Is the C2C Program Right for You? Eligibility Criteria
The C2C program requires a full-time commitment and is designed for dedicated individuals ready to invest in their future careers. It’s important to note that enrollment in C2C is exclusive, meaning students cannot be concurrently enrolled in other programs like transition age or supported employment programs.
To be eligible for the C2C program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Disability Eligibility: Be eligible as an individual with an Intellectual Disability and/or autism, as defined by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
- Department of Rehabilitation Client: Be a client of the California Department of Rehabilitation (or eligible to become one).
- Transportation: Have the ability to arrange transportation to and from SRJC and potential work sites within Sonoma County.
- Attendance: Be able to attend classes, job placements, and other program activities consistently.
- Student Conduct: Be able to adhere to SRJC’s Student Code of Conduct.
The program is especially suited for students who are highly motivated and possess certain qualities that contribute to success in a career-focused program.
Ideal C2C candidates often demonstrate:
- Work and College Motivation: A strong desire to work and pursue college-level learning.
- Career Aspirations: A clear goal to achieve permanent, paid employment.
- Prior Experience: A minimum of six months of work, volunteer, or internship experience.
- Independent Functioning: The ability to navigate a college campus independently.
- Positive Track Record: A history of meeting expectations for behavior and attendance in previous programs or employment.
- Time Commitment: Willingness to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to program-related activities, including classes, homework, support services, and extracurricular involvement.
For those seeking a focused 2 year career program that integrates vocational training with postsecondary education, the C2C program offers a robust and supportive pathway to achieving meaningful and lasting employment.
For more detailed information, you can access the Info Night 2024 flyer here. A Spanish version is available here.
