San Francisco, CA – Students in Fairfield-Suisun’s WorkAbility program got a glimpse of their own future during a recent visit to the Treasure Island Job Corps campus The visit gave students the opportunity to learn more about alternative pathways to furthering their education, including through Job Corps’ free training programs for young people ages 16 through 24.
“I had a good time and I learned a lot of subjects,” student Alexis Carmona Ponce said. “I think the rules are understandable and they help get you ready for real life. I like what they said while we were there: ‘Follow your dreams or your dreams won’t follow you back.’”
Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s WorkAbility (WAI) program offers students with an IEP the opportunity to complete high school while simultaneously gaining marketable job skills. Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The WAI trip to Treasure Island was planned with the intention to expose our students with alternative pathways to furthering their education. WAI aims to help students identify their interest and personal strengths so that they can construct an achievable plan to assist them in accomplishing their career goals.
“The students were so engaged in the tour and lecture,” teacher Sharryl Carter said. “I feel that they really visualized themselves attending, adjusting to the guidelines, and choosing career clusters.”
Job Corps is a federal program providing free career training and education for low-income 16- through 24-year-olds. The Treasure Island training facility offers a variety of programs, including Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Clinical Medical Assistant and more. Many Fairfield-Suisun students showed interest in culinary arts, electrical pre apprenticeship, and office administration.
Job Corps provides housing, a living allowance, medical care, and in-house career counseling for transitional aged youth. Students can choose two career clusters and remain in the program for up to three years. More information about Job Corps is available at jobcorps.gov.
This visit was significant because at the close of Black History month FSUSD was able to present a marginalized people group with an opportunity to expand their future and cultivate aspirational thinking. The possibilities for FSUSD students are truly endless!