Goodwill of Southern Nevada (Goodwill) held a special celebration for hundreds of Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) high school special education volunteers and instructors on Tuesday April 28, 2026, at the East Las Vegas Community Center.
Inaugurated in 1997, Goodwill’s Student Work Experience Program offers high school special education students the opportunity to gain real work experience by volunteering throughout the school year at Goodwill thrift stores. The program helps prepare students as they transition out of high school by volunteering once a week at their neighborhood Goodwill store, performing tasks such as greeting customers; organizing clothing by style, size, and color; and merchandising household items generously donated by the community.
This school year, 583 students and 204 teachers from 82 classes at 34 Clark County School District and Nye County School District high schools participated in the program, marking approximately 20 percent growth since the prior school year.
“This program is about far more than volunteering. It’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose in every student we serve,” said Goodwill Director of Disability & Volunteer Programming Mary Brabant. “Seeing this year’s largest-ever graduating class reminds us how impactful real-world experience can be in helping students with different abilities prepare for life beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of each participant and grateful to the teachers and partners who make this opportunity possible.”
Teachers interested in having their classes participate in SWEP during the 2026-2027 school year are invited to contact Mary Brabant at 702-214-2010 or MaryB@sngoodwill.org.
Learn more about Goodwill Disability Programs at GoodwillVegas.org.
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