Students who participated in Community-Based Instruction were honored with a ceremony on Friday, May 8, for their achievements and to highlight their next steps: whether that’s being workforce ready or heading off to school in the fall.
“Being ready to work and having a purpose after high school is very important,” Special Education Teacher Chera Richardson said.
“Instruction is oftentimes thought of in a classroom, and we transfer that instruction into the community or into the workforce, and the skills that they learn take place where they are actually working,” Richardson added.
This is the 11th year of the Community-Based Instruction ceremony. Students who participate in Community Based Instruction, now NEXT BRIDGE, get a chance to increase their workforce readiness with on-the-job training in schools, local businesses and more.
“It's so exciting because when they come to us, they're still transitioning from being a student to an adult,” Kathy Griffin, NEXT BRIDGE Instructor shared. “Students understand that our program is training them to be ready to work. It’s just so rewarding… we have an 86% success rate in the third year (of NEXT BRIDGE).”
Students received certificates for participation in NEXT BRIDGE and also had an opportunity to share their next step of joining USCA’s Pacer LIFE program or returning to NEXT BRIDGE for the following academic year.
“We want to make sure we honor them and show them what their value is,” Richardson continued. “When they leave high school, we want them to be prepared for life.”
