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Transition Academy alum shares how program led to steady work and independence
Summary
At a Wilson County Schools board meeting, Transition Academy staff and graduates highlighted employment outcomes and partnerships—graduates now work at local businesses and some have obtained driver’s licenses; the board applauded the program.
The Wilson County Schools board heard a presentation from the Transition Academy on student employment and independent-living outcomes, and a graduate described his job as evidence the program is meeting its goals.
Ellen Mattingly introduced graduate Drake Costa, who told the board, “So what I do for work is I’m a host coordinator at Demus’s in Lebanon. … I work Monday through Friday, almost getting about 30 hours a week.” Drake’s description of daily work and his commute illustrated the Academy’s aim to place students into competitive, integrated employment.
A parent who identified herself to the board said the program changed her son’s trajectory: “My son now, tonight, is at work at Chick-fil-A, and he’s, like the floor manager there. He loves it.” The board heard additional staff remarks about partnerships with Cumberland University, Kroger and local employers and that the program emphasizes independent-living skills—several students reportedly earned driver’s licenses.
Board members asked about program scale and history; presenters said the Transition Academy began in 1995 and currently serves nine students, with four slated to graduate this year and at least three already employed. The presentation included outreach information and invited the public to the program’s spring-fling event the next day.
The board applauded the presentations and accepted the program report. Directors and staff said the academy’s community partnerships and on‑the-job training are key to the outcomes the board viewed as successful.
