For individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities seeking meaningful employment, navigating the path to a fulfilling career can present unique challenges. The College to Career (C2C) program is dedicated to creating and expanding opportunities in Career and Technical Education that directly lead to gainful employment for these students within postsecondary educational settings. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, specifically for those who thrive with the right support and vocational training.
Discovering the College to Career (C2C) Autism Career Program
The College to Career Program is a comprehensive, three-year initiative meticulously structured to empower students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to secure employment within Sonoma County and in their chosen career fields. As one of only eight such programs across the State of California, the C2C program at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) proudly partners with key organizations, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Admission to this impactful Autism Career Program is competitive, with approximately 20 new students accepted annually. Prospective students are required to complete a detailed application and participate in an interview with the C2C Coordinator to assess their suitability and commitment to the program.
Spanning three years, the College to Career Program culminates in competitive, paid employment for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. The program integrates cohort-based classes with individualized participation in mainstream college courses and activities. Below is an overview of the curriculum and activities offered, providing a structured pathway to a successful autism career. For a more detailed program overview, view and print the College to Career Program curriculum.
YEAR 1: Exploring College, Community, and Autism Career Paths
- Comprehensive orientation to Santa Rosa Junior College, including its diverse student resources designed to support all learners.
- In-depth exploration of community resources available in Sonoma County, connecting students with vital support networks.
- Focused career exploration activities to identify individual employment support needs and align interests with potential autism career paths.
YEAR 2: Career and Technical Training & Practical Work Experience
- Skill development workshops specifically designed to enhance workplace success and professional growth for individuals with autism.
- Hands-on work experience in at least one Career and Technical area, providing practical skills and real-world application.
- Participation in relevant Career and Technical training courses tailored to students’ individual employment goals and aspirations within their chosen autism career field.
YEAR 3: Supported Employment and Community Integration for Autism Careers
- Targeted job training and placement services within the community, directly related to the on-campus work experience gained in year two, facilitating a smooth transition to employment.
- Continued participation in Career and Technical Education and training courses as necessary to meet students’ evolving employment goals and ensure long-term career success in autism-related fields or other sectors.
- Establishing connections with community vocational support agencies, such as the Department of Rehabilitation, to provide ongoing support and resources for sustained employment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Autism Career Program (C2C)
The C2C program is a full-time commitment and a competitive program, accepting new students only once per year for the fall semester. Students enrolled in the C2C Program are required to dedicate their full attention to it and cannot co-enroll in another program, such as a transition age or supported employment program. It is important to note that C2C is not affiliated with K-12 Special Education services or governed by the IEP process, and it does not replace or serve as a transition age program. Admission to C2C is not an entitlement; it is competitive and based on application and interview evaluations.
For students or families interested in and/or eligible for 18-22 transition services, please contact your local school district for relevant information.
C2C APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment, ensuring program suitability for adult learners.
- Be eligible as an individual with an Intellectual Disability* and/or autism, as recognized by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), confirming the program’s focus on serving these specific populations.
- Be a client of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) or meet the eligibility criteria to become a DOR client, ensuring access to vocational rehabilitation services.
- Possess the ability to provide or access reliable transportation to and from SRJC and potential work sites throughout Sonoma County, addressing practical logistical needs.
- Demonstrate the ability to attend classes, job training, and other program-related activities on a regular basis, highlighting the commitment required for program success.
- Agree to abide by SRJC’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful and productive learning environment for all participants.
*An “intellectual disability” is defined as a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, encompassing essential everyday social and practical skills. It is crucial to recognize that students with intellectual disabilities have the capacity to learn and succeed in employment, but they may require tailored support and specialized vocational training to achieve their career goals. Studies show that students with intellectual disabilities who attend college are 26 times more likely to gain successful employment and earn 76 percent higher wages compared to peers without college experience, underscoring the profound impact of postsecondary programs like C2C.
Ideal Candidates for the C2C Autism Career Program Typically Demonstrate:
- Strong motivation to work and pursue college education, indicating a proactive approach to personal and professional development.
- A clear desire to secure permanent, paid employment, reflecting a commitment to long-term career goals.
- A minimum of six months of prior work, volunteer, or internship experience, showcasing foundational workplace skills and adaptability.
- The ability to function independently within a college campus environment, indicating self-sufficiency and readiness for higher education settings.
- A consistent history of meeting behavioral and attendance expectations in previous employment, training, or educational programs, demonstrating reliability and responsibility.
- A commitment to dedicating an average of 20 hours per week to school-related activities, including:
- Attending classes regularly.
- Completing homework assignments effectively.
- Utilizing available support services such as tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and seminars.
- Participating in scheduled meetings with program staff for guidance and progress monitoring.
- Engaging in extracurricular activities like theater productions, athletic events, and clubs to enhance social skills and overall college experience.
For Additional Information
For more details about the program, click here to view the Info Night 2024 flyer. A Spanish version of the flyer is available here.
