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Mukwonago’s Aspire 18+ program showcases community-based training and jobs; students logged over 5,100 miles of instruction
Summary
Aspire lead teacher Heather Kane Terhorst told the board the district’s 18+ Aspire program logged 5,108.5 miles and 28,594 minutes of community instruction by mid‑January 2025, and described student-run enterprises, local business partnerships, and several student transitions to paid work.
Heather Kane Terhorst, lead teacher for the Aspire 18+ program at Mukwonago High School, presented the program’s community‑based work and student outcomes to the board on Feb. 10.
The program supports young adults who receive special‑education services as they build employability and independent‑living skills. "Aspire is designed to help students who receive special education services at MHS who are in need of gaining additional skills to be ready for the next chapter after high school," Kane Terhorst said.
She described multiple community partnerships and student job sites — the student‑run Joe To Go coffee shop, volunteer and paid placements at local businesses (Rustics and Knuckleheads, Jubilee Christian School, Picky Picky resale, Mount Olive pantry), contracted vocational supports (Independence First), and training opportunities at local employers. Students also take part in budgeting, inventory, and customer‑service tasks while practicing safe procedures for cooking and cash handling.
Program scale and outcomes: Kane Terhorst reported that as of Jan. 24, 2025 Aspire students had traveled 5,108.5 miles for community instruction and logged 28,594 minutes of instruction in community settings — the equivalent, she said, of about 68.3 community‑instruction days out of 69 days in session. The program operates three vans and noted occasions where lack of transportation limited scheduling options.
Student voices were part of the presentation. Ryan (a student speaker) said, “I like doing the drinks and the and going on deliveries,” illustrating hands‑on tasks students perform in the Joe To Go cafe. Staff highlighted individual transitions to employment: district staff pointed to students who have moved into paid roles after practicing skills in community settings and through partnerships.
Board members praised the program’s community connections and requested continued updates. Kane Terhorst asked the board to consider the program’s ongoing needs — staff, transportation and occasional equipment — when the district plans future budgets.
Next steps: staff will continue to report placement outcomes and resource needs; the board will incorporate program capacity into upcoming budget discussions.
