Event Highlights

On April 29, 2025, Goodwill of Southern Nevada hosted a celebratory event at the East Las Vegas Community Center to honor the participants of their Student Work Experience Program (SWEP). This program plays a crucial role in providing practical work experiences for students with special needs.

About the Student Work Experience Program

Founded in 1996, SWEP is designed for special education teachers, their aides, and their students, allowing them to engage in volunteer opportunities at Goodwill locations. These real-world experiences help students transition from high school into independent adult life. Activities may include greeting customers, sorting merchandise, and organizing store displays, all conducted at least once a week.

During the current school year, a remarkable 381 students from 59 classes across 28 high schools in the Clark County School District participated in the program, alongside 16 students from two classes at Pahrump Valley High School in Nye County.

Empowering Individuals with Disabilities

Rick Neal, president and CEO of Goodwill of Southern Nevada, emphasized the program’s goals: “The goal of Goodwill’s Disability Programs is to provide meaningful opportunities to people with different abilities so they can experience the dignity of work, a sense of purpose, and a fully inclusive culture.”

SWEP is one of five programs specifically designed not only to assist participants but also to provide caregivers with valuable time for self-care.

Get Involved

Teachers interested in enrolling their classes in the Student Work Experience Program can reach out to Mary Brabant at [email protected] or call 702-214-2010 for more information.

More Information

To learn about Goodwill’s Disability Programs and their benefits, visit GoodwillVegas.org.