A Newton, Massachusetts, school has developed a program to help students with learning challenges transition into the workforce.
When senior Maggie Donius isn't working at her other two jobs, she can be found stocking shelves at Little Bits Toy Store. Her other tasks include assisting customers find gifts, cleaning up the store, and sometimes, helping price out items.
It's a new experience that Maggie's work-study councilor at the Learning Prep School in Newton was hoping she would embrace.
The work-study program began 15 years ago as a way for students with learning challenges to prepare for life beyond high school.
By gaining relevant learning in a school-to-work transition based setting, Learning Prep hopes to help eliminate the 20 percent unemployment rate of students with learning challenges.
The students have gained a variety of experiences, like at the Boston Statehouse, Newton Wellesley hospital, and even dog-walking.
For more information, log onto www.maaps.org.
