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.

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 programs focus on career exploration. Work Forward focuses on what comes next — actually preparing students for the workplace.
It explicitly teaches the behaviors, expectations, and skills needed to:

• Get hired
• Stay employed
• Grow in a career