BEST transition program highlights hands‑on job training; Project SEARCH shows strong placement rates
Summary
The Burnsville‑Eagan‑Savage (BEST) transition program reported work‑based learning, community placements and in‑house job sites; Project SEARCH interns had a 70% competitive employment rate among completers and mHealth Fairview set a hiring goal to recruit 50% of interns.
The ISD 191 board heard an overview of the Burnsville‑Eagan‑Savage transition program (BEST) on Nov. 20 focused on work‑based learning and post‑school outcomes.
Jennifer Mittendorf, BEST supervisor, described program goals and individualized transition plans for students ages 18–22 who continue to receive special education services. Casey Anderson and other staff outlined in‑house job sites — the Core Lab (district support tasks), the Production Lab (craft and retail items) and BEST Coffee — that allow students to practice workplace skills in a supported setting.
Mittendorf and staff emphasized community partnerships that place students at district cafeterias, Embassy Suites in Bloomington, CHAP Thrift Store in Burnsville, Ebenezer Senior Living and the Arbors, and the Bernhaven Library. Those placements are paired with daily tracking of soft skills and regular team meetings to align instruction with IEP goals.
Project SEARCH instructor Eric Chrysus described the hospital‑based internship model at mHealth Fairview Ridges Hospital and reported that, in the past two years, roughly 70% of interns who completed the program gained competitive employment. He said Fairview has set a system goal to hire 50% of Project SEARCH interns. The board praised the program and asked for continued updates on outcomes and employer partnerships.
No board action was required.
