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Young adult program spotlight: student Alton hired into school cafeteria after internship
Summary
District vocational staff described internship partnerships and transition services; student Alton described being hired by the elementary cafeteria after earlier internships, and staff outlined partnerships with local businesses and transport supports.
The committee heard a progress update on the district's young-adult transition and vocational programs and a first-person account from a student employee, Alton. Melissa introduced Lisa Simpson, a nationally certified employment specialist, who described hands-on training beginning in 10th grade, in-school jobs (cafeteria, laundry, mail) and out-of-school internships with local businesses including Meals on Wheels, Black Dog Warehouse and Robie’s Propane.
"We work on budgeting so students can have a clear picture of money," Simpson said, describing partnerships with the school credit union and GATRA for travel training. She said the district sustains contact and employment supports after students age out at 22.
Student Alton described his path from a substitute cafeteria position to a hired role at the elementary school. "I got hired as a substitute cafeteria worker at the elementary school... and I love it," he told the committee, explaining he balances internship time and classroom work and hopes to transition to full-time work after aging out of school-based services.
Committee members praised local employer partners and the program's role in building job skills and community ties. Administrators said the district is expanding partnerships (including a planned collaboration with Mass Maritime) and training a transition specialist through federal special-education entitlement grant funds.
