As the 77th National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) kicked off in October, Ivymount came together to thank the many community partners and jobsites that over the years have helped our students build work and life skills.
Ivymount students in the Aspire, Post High School, and Endeavors Programs have acquired work and life skills at more than 30 community jobsites in the region, including at small businesses, county government, retail and restaurant chains, international organizations, and national institutions.
“Through work based learning, students develop not only new skills but also a sense of pride,” says Kathryn Knight, Ivymount PHS Student Employment Coordinator. “The time we have had to spend away from our jobsites has heightened our gratitude for the role you each play in our students’ education, lives, and their perception of themselves.”
Our community partners also recognize the impact Ivymount students have had within their workplace. Jennifer Scully, Manager at Black Hill Visitor Center with Montgomery Parks, says: “Ivymount’s School to Work program has positively impacted the staff of Black Hill Visitor Center, our visitors, and community. It has been a joy to get to know each student and their teachers. The students have helped keep the center clean and safe for all to use. But most importantly, the students’ presence at our center illustrates the role of public lands as places for all to experience the healing power of nature.”
To hear more about the invaluable partnership between Ivymount students and community jobsites, watch our interview with Ken Karbeling, General Manager with American Reprographics, Inc. in Rockville, MD. We spoke with Ken about what it’s like to practice workplace inclusivity and how Ivymount students make a difference on the job each week.
To partners like American Reprographics and all our Ivymount community: thank you for recognizing the importance of disability employment awareness this month and beyond!
