The Continental Project: A Model Program for School to Work Transition for Students with Disabilities.

The Continental Project is a school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities. The 6-year old program, which is located at a country club and golf course, serves more than 20 students per year and has successfully transitioned 45 young adults with moderate to severe handicaps into the workforce. The program is a cooperative effort of the Continental Country Club, Flagstaff Public Schools, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, and Mountain Linen Company. Students receive on-the-job training in paid positions. The program's paid work experiences integrate training in work skills, social competence, and life skills. The program also includes job coaches who provide continued support for students once they have been placed in competitive employment and a van to transport students to the job site. Participating students rotate through various assignments, including food and beverage preparation, handling reservations, assembling mailings of newsletters, landscaping, general maintenance, working in the laundry area, and repairing linens. Students work at their job site 4 hours each morning and spend their afternoons in a classroom on the clubhouse's second floor. Students stay in the program until they acquire the skills needed to succeed in competitive employment or until they turn 22. The program serves a mix of Native American, Mexican American, White, and African American students. (Contains 10 references.) (MN)