On Thursday, August 23, 2012, The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) hosted a celebration BBQ to recognize the impact of their summer student workers. The student jobs were made possible through a grant of $14,450 which The Learning Center received from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) as part of their Transition to Work Program through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Aimed at helping high school students gain practical work experience, the grant enabled TLC to provide jobs for five (5) high school students. With funding from the grant, students were paid $10/hour, reimbursed for their public transportation costs, and had the assistance of a transition coach and occasional check-ins with MCDHH's job coach. This is the second year this program has been offered and The Learning Center has been selected to participate both years.
The student workers were given a variety of responsibilities – including clerical work, electronic archiving, cleaning, and light construction – within the Institutional Advancement Office and the Maintenance Department.
Commissioner Heidi Reed from MCDHH visited The Learning Center to observe the students at work on Thursday, August 23, 2012 and presented them with certificates. In addition, the Commissioner and her staff joined the students and the TLC staff for a celebration luncheon in the Schwab Athletic Center cafeteria from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
"Giving our students an opportunity to gain real-world experience gives them the skills and the confidence they need to pursue their dreams and become dependable, productive citizens. We are thrilled that five of our students will benefit from this program once again this year," says Nancy Frazer Evangelista, TLC's Transition Coordinator.
For more information on MCDHH, visit http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/mcdhh/.
©2012 The Learning Center for the Deaf
