Work Forward was created by The Connection Co. (TCC), a team with deep, real-world experience in workforce development, education, and disability employment services.

The program was developed by co-founders Andrea Marty and Alison Swan — both practitioners who have spent over a decade working directly with students, schools, and employment systems.

Andrea Marty (M.Ed.) is a former special education teacher and transition coordinator with 12+ years of experience designing and leading school-based employment and transition programming.

Alison Swan (MS, CRC) is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with 12+ years in disability employment services and workforce development, including developing state-approved (DVR) curriculum and training programs.

Together, they bring over 25 years of combined experience creating practical, outcomes-focused programs grounded in real-world application — not theory.

Work Forward was originally built to support students with disabilities and other employment barriers—but the skills taught are universal.

Work Forward is fully self-paced, allowing students to move through modules based on their schedule and needs.

There’s no rigid timeline. Some schools use Work Forward over a semester or full school year, while others integrate specific modules into existing programming.

Students receive a certificate of completion that reflects their work and skill development — something they can share with employers, programs, or include in their postsecondary planning.

Work Forward is designed to be easy to implement without adding extra workload.

Educators can:

• Assign modules or lessons
• Use it in group instruction
• Incorporate it into existing classes or transition planning

It works as a supplement or standalone curriculum.

Yes — Work Forward is flexible and built to fit into a variety of environments, including:
CTE programs, transition services, alternative education, work-based learning, advisory periods, and more.

No — Work Forward is designed for students with little to no work experience, as well as those who want to strengthen their existing skills.

Many career readiness programs help students explore careers. Work Forward helps them prepare for the realities of having a job.

Rather than focusing only on career awareness, Work Forward explicitly teaches the workplace skills, behaviors, and expectations students need to successfully transition from school to employment.

Students learn how to:

• Get hired
• Show up consistently and professionally
• Communicate effectively in the workplace
• Navigate challenges and workplace expectations
• Stay employed
• Grow toward long-term career goals

Built by professionals with experience in education, workforce development, and disability services, Work Forward provides schools with a structured, easy-to-implement curriculum that bridges the gap between career exploration and real-world employment success.

The result: students leave with more than career knowledge — they gain the confidence, workplace habits, and practical skills needed to thrive in their first job and beyond.