Recent Ivymount School graduate Sara is pursuing her interest in working in the food industry, equipped with skills in that area plus other areas she didn’t imagine she could achieve. “I have learned I can do things I didn’t think I could do. I can add computer skills to my resume and know I can do those tasks at my next job,” she said after being the latest to complete an internship at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), since the program started in 2015.
For all students, their years at school are only the beginning of their journey but that time can be instrumental in creating the self-confidence and skills to go forth into the world of work and post-secondary education. Ivymount School prepares students for productive futures after they graduate by supporting their autonomy, self-advocacy, and employment skills. Across the Aspire, Endeavors and Post High School programs, students practice vocational skills at in-school jobs and student-run businesses, as well as community-based jobs.
Jobsite Partners Create Opportunities
Ivymount is proud to have worked with dozens of jobsite partners over the decades, including large and small businesses, county government agencies, and national institutions. The jobsites expose students to a range of industries, including food service, health and fitness, outdoor recreation, animal care, retail, graphic design and printing, business administration and more. They learn a variety of hard skills such as stocking shelves, cleaning, maintaining indoor and outdoor spaces, food preparation, event management, data entry and analysis. At each jobsite, Ivymount school staff also provide coaching on soft skills such as self-advocacy, professionalism, and workplace etiquette that students will be able to use across any future job.
Over the years, many jobsite managers have called it a win-win relationship that has freed them up to focus on priorities and has inspired their teams.
“The Ivymount students that we have had the opportunity to work with have been a huge help and made an impact on our organization. Their additional support has allowed us to spend time on other projects and reach our goals!”
Dataprise
“Ivymount’s School to Work program has positively impacted the staff, our visitors and community. It has been a joy to get to know each student and their teachers.”
Black Hill Visitor Center, Montgomery Parks
“Learn about who they are. Realize that it really can work. They all bring so much to the table.”
American Reprographics
Here are some of the many outstanding jobsite partners who provide vocational skill training for Ivymount students. They truly embody the spirit of inclusion and opportunity.
- American Reprographics
- Behavioral Framework
- Brookdale Potomac
- California Tortilla
- CVS – Cabin John
- Dogfish Head Alehouse
- I Support the Girls
- King Street Oyster Bar
- Koiner Urban Farm
- Manna Food Center
- Montgomery County Parks
- Old Navy
- Pan American Health Organization
- PetSmart
- Second Story Books
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- Spirit Club
- The Village at Rockville
- UpCounty Hub
- We Achieve
Read more about Ivymount’s jobsite partners.
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month NDEAM
