Goodwill of Southern Nevada Celebrates Student Work Experience Program Volunteers

SWEP provides workforce training to hundreds of individuals with different abilities

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 2, 2025) – Goodwill of Southern Nevada (Goodwill®) held a special celebration for hundreds of Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) participants on Tuesday, April 29 at the East Las Vegas Community Center.

Since debuting in 1996, the Student Work Experience Program has helped prepare students as they transition out of high school into the rest of their lives. As they perform tasks such as greeting customers, sorting merchandise, and pulling hangers, participants become part of each store's neighborhood community of team members and customers.

Each year, special education students volunteer once a week at 18 area Goodwill stores to gain work experience and the feeling of inclusion. During the 2024-2025 school year, participants included 381 students from 59 classes at 28 Clark County School District high schools, as well as 16 students from two classes at Pahrump Valley High School, which is part of the Nye County School District.

“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,” said Goodwill of Southern Nevada President and CEO Rick Neal. “SWEP is one of five carefully designed programs that not only support participants, but also their caregivers, who benefit from “alone time” to recharge.”

Teachers interested in having their classes participate in SWEP are invited to contact Mary Brabant at 702-214-2010 or MaryB@sngoodwill.org