Internships or Employment in the Community

IMAGES: Independence, Mobility, Accountability, Goals, Employment, Success 

The IMAGES Program is designed for moderately to highly independent students who are eager to gain real-world work experience while building essential life skills. Focused on fostering independence, mobility, and accountability, the program prepares students to succeed in employment and independent living.

Location 

• Spokane Community College (SCC)

This program offers hands-on internships in local businesses and community organizations, providing valuable work experience tailored to each student’s strengths, interests, and goals. Students will spend part of their day in the community, gaining work experience, and the other part engaging in classroom instruction focused on functional academic, mobility, social, self-management, and daily living skills.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Independence: Developing self-sufficiency in work and daily tasks.

• Mobility: Building confidence in navigating the community and public transportation.

• Accountability: Strengthening workplace skills like time management, task completion, and teamwork.

• Goals: Helping students set and meet new goals according to their abilities and needs.

• Employment : Preparing students for long-term employment with real-world job placements.

• Success: Students will gain knowledge, skills, and support to achieve their goals and develop independence and self-sufficiency

IMAGES connects students to internships that are aligned with their skills and interests. Potential internship areas include:

• Administrative/Office Support

• Customer Service

• Materials Handling

• Food Service

• Hospitality

• Environmental Services

• Utility Maintenance

Each internship is designed to provide real-world work experience while allowing students to develop the independence and skills needed for successful employment.

As part of the secondary transition process, we focus on connecting students to their community by linking them with local nonprofits, afterschool activities, and additional resources. This helps students build a network of support and gain valuable life skills outside the classroom. By participating in community activities, students engage in meaningful experiences that reflect their interests and goals, helping them build a sense of belonging and purpose. These connections also open doors to further educational and employment opportunities, ensuring students have the tools and resources they need for a successful transition into adulthood.

A typical week for students consists of a variety of activities designed to support both personal and professional growth.

• Monday: The week begins with a guest speaker from the community, followed by class time focused on activities such as building job skills and preparing for the workplace.

• Tuesday–Thursday: Students split their time between classroom learning and hands-on experience at their internships, gaining valuable real-world skills.

• Friday: Fridays are dedicated to recreation and leisure. Students engage with their peers and the community through social and emotional learning activities, building connections and having fun.

To ensure students are ready for the program, they should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Excellent attendance and a commitment to their internship.

• A desire to work and actively engage in an internship experience.

• Safe behaviors around other vulnerable populations.

• Independent skills in self-toileting, feeding, and managing clothing.

• Ability to complete most tasks independently after receiving instruction.

• Basic knowledge of community safety signs.

• A strong desire to live as an independent, employed adult and willingness to engage in instructional support to reach this goal.

While basic STA independence skills are not required, students may use paratransit services if appropriate (Paratransit application).

Starting the first school day of November, Case Managers can submit the Secondary Transition Application for students interested in the program. The deadline to apply is the last school day of January.