Tallmadge City School District Looks to Partner with Local Businesses for Tallmadge Works Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Ferguson, Superintendent
P: 330-633-3291
E: [email protected]
Tallmadge City School District Looks to Partner with Local Businesses for Tallmadge Works Program
TALLMADGE, OHIO (Nov. 29, 2017) – The Tallmadge City School District student services department and intervention specialists have recently launched the Tallmadge Works Program. The goal of this program is to develop community business and organizational partnerships where students with developmental disabilities can earn internship hours.
As part of the program, students will be placed at a job site of interest to them and be paired with a job coach. The job coach will work with the students to teach them employable skills.
“When we spoke with our students, we realized there was a need for more opportunities for students to further investigate their areas of interest and develop post-secondary, employment and independent living skills,” said Rebecca Furbay, director of student services. “Tallmadge Works allows us to partner with local businesses to provide students with training and jobs skills in an area that they connect with and find interesting.”
Currently, the program is working with the Tallmadge Recreation Center. One student provides assistance in the childcare area and two other students help with general cleaning.
“These students have been a great addition to our staff,” said Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Jessica Simons. “The students are all hard working and eager to learn. Not only does this program help contribute to our business, it also helps staff members and visitors overcome barriers when interacting with individuals with disabilities. To any business interested in the program, I would focus on all of the benefits the students can bring to your business. In our experience, there are no negatives.”
The district hopes to expand the program to provide students with more options that align with a variety of areas of interest.
“By partnering with local businesses not only do our students benefit from this learning opportunity, but we are able to show the community the skills and value our students can bring to the workforce,” said Furbay.
If your business is interested in joining the Tallmadge Works program, please contact Rebecca Furbay at 330-633-3291 or [email protected].
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2017