Through Goodwill Manasota's High School Work Experience Program, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students from area high schools and the Easterseals Southwest Florida VIP Academy can benefit from real-life work experience through placements at area Goodwill retail stores. Students gain job skills training, learn the value of teamwork and, for those seeking employment after graduation, have the opportunity to be considered for open positions with Goodwill, all while earning school credit.

Prior to Covid-19, there were 36 students from Bayshore High School, Booker High School, Braden River High School, Desoto High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, Manatee High School, North Port High School, Palmetto High School, Venice High School, and Easterseals. At this time, students from Bayshore and Venice High are still engaged in the program: Bayshore students are handling work projects on campus, during school hours, and Venice students are working in-store. Tasks include tearing size, pricing and blank tickets to assist in the sale of items in Goodwill's retail stores. The participants are in grades 10-12 and range in age from 15-20 years old.