WiSe Workstudy
 WiSe works with universities throughout Washington State to hire work-study students who then provide services to people with disabilities. These students work as job coaches, micro business planners, special education classroom assistants, and perform other services related to preparing for and securing employment opportunities. The work-study students are employed directly in special projects with individuals with developmental disabilities, or placed with other non-profit service organizations providing direct services to individuals with disabilities.
 Some of the positions filled by work-study students include: assisting someone to run and operate their own espresso stand, providing extra assistance to a high school transition program for community based work experiences, instructing independent living skills, transportation training, assisting 14 to 18 year olds in volunteer placements in the community, and job coaching in a variety of community employment placements.
Our organization has found work-study students to be an integral part of the success scenario when working with individuals who currently have high support needs, or when providing start up support to special projects. Work-study students may work with an individual or organization for a short period of time to provide the necessary momentum to get something started, or provide the manpower necessary to retain someone in a job placement for an extended period of time.
If your organization, transition program or government organization would be interested in more information about employing university work-study students, please contact Marsha Threlkeld of WiSe at marsha@theinitiative.ws or 206-343-0881, extension 103. |
