For some students, development of vocational skills is preferred over college preparatory curriculum. Our work study program provides the academic course-work necessary for high school graduation along with intensive employment training opportunities either on or off campus. On-campus jobs provide intensive support and supervision necessary for success, and can include work on buildings and grounds with the facilities department, food service work with kitchen staff or horticulture work in the agency greenhouse. Off-campus employment can include food service in local nursing homes or restaurants, clerking at grocery stores or small business experiences. Strengths, interests and treatment goals are all are assessed to determine appropriate work study placement.
Predominantly under the direction of the Facilities Superintendent, several students work as 'members' of the department weekday afternoons. Helping to maintain our grounds increases pride and ownership in their living environment, while building handy-man skills that are useful for a lifetime. Parental consent is necessary for use of small equipment as a pre-requisite of Facilities placement. A Campus Recycling Coordinator is also elected to support this element of our green-efforts.
In ongoing close communication with our Work Study Coordinator, several local businesses provide job placement opportunities for our work study students. These experiences and relationships have often led to bona-fide employment even beyond residential placement. Current employers working with us include:
- The Village at Waterman lake Nursing Home
- Greenville Health Center
- Bayberry Commons
- Simply Elegant Flowers
- The Pinewood Restaurant
- Pine Grove Health Center
- Dino's Supermarket
