Anova Transition Program

Young adults reaching their full potential.

In special education, students who leave high school with a Certificate of Completion, rather than a traditional diploma, are eligible for support services until the age of 22. The Anova Transition Program provides post high school students, age 18 to 22, with a functional, life-skills education. This includes job skills, independent living skills, and exposure/enrollment at the local junior college, as appropriate.

The Anova Transition Program has partnered with Molsberry’s Market and the Luther Burbank Center Events Crew, to provide supported work opportunities for students. Molsberry’s is a local, family-owned grocery store which provides students with a wide range of work responsibilities as well as interaction with the public in a work setting.  Students who work as part of the Luther Burbank Events Crew work with fellow employees to carry out a variety of responsibilities setting up and dismantling areas for all manner of indoor and outdoor events.

Students spend two afternoons each week attending Santa Rosa Junior College. They are initially enrolled in a skills lab which serves as an orientation to the campus, and college life in general.  Later, as students progress through the Anova Transition Program, they have the opportunity to enroll in various JC classes as appropriate, which may include one of the many Adapted P.E. offerings, or academic coursework through the Disability Resources Department.

Anova transition students also operate a student-run business, on the Santa Rosa Anova campus, called The Dragon Café.  Students obtain their Food Handlers Permit, and prepare various lunch selections for staff on Wednesdays, as well as smoothies and espresso coffee throughout the week. This project allows students to take orders by phone and email; prepare a variety of recipes; plan and shop for menus; deliver orders; exchange money and track expenses; as well as clean and manage a working kitchen.

Upon completion of four years in the Anova Transition Program, students move into adult life with the foundational skills and confidence necessary to become productive, self-determined members of their community.