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Reno, NV (June 10, 2011) - To provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market, Sparks High School will host the second annual Job Readiness Summer Camp from June 13 to 17 for students with disabilities. These students will receive classroom instruction and real-world experience so they are equipped with the skills needed to secure employment in today's workforce.
The week-long camp will help students learn how to travel to a job site through public transportation and learn valuable skills with the help of a local employer.
The Job Readiness Camp program is funded through a $34,000 grant supplied by the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. The District received a similar grant last year for about 50 students. This year, the program will allow for up to about 60 students to attend the camp for free.
Peggy Cullinane, consultant for the District's Transition Programs, said a continuing partnership between the District and the Governor's Council is key to the success of the camp from which students emerge as excellent candidates for jobs.
"To be able to offer this camp for a second year speaks highly to the success we experienced last year," Cullinane said. "Hiring the students within the local workforce is of mutual benefit to them and the employer."
A study done at DePaul University in 2007 shows employees with and without disabilities are virtually indistinguishable with regard to the retention rates, absenteeism and job performance. Employees who hire youth with disabilities help improve the climate of the community by making it a friendly and accepting environment.
The Job Readiness Summer Camp will be held from June 13 to 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m at Sparks High School, located at 820 15th St. in Sparks.
For more information about registration, contact the Transition Programs at 333-6175 or by e-mailing Cullinane at pcullinane@washoeschools.net
