By Kylie Prasuhn
GCS Special Services
GREENVILLE — The vision of Greenville City Schools is to be the leader in educational offerings, student performance and community involvement, and will maximize the potential of each and every student. Further, the Special Services Department seeks to support and enhance the long term, post-secondary goals of our students.
Project LIFE is a comprehensive, multi-year transition-to-adulthood Career Technical program in which individuals with disabilities can develop, practice, and strengthen skills that are high predictors for increased adult independence and successful, integrated community employment.
Project LIFE offers a targeted course of study for students in grades eleven and twelve, combined with participation in experiential life skills education and authentic work-based learning experiences in the local community. Utilizing evidence-based transition education concepts, Project LIFE is a proven program model that supports our student interns on their journey to adulthood and greater independence.
A typical day in Project LIFE includes classroom learning activities focused on the course of study topics, which include Safety Skills; Self-Determination; Independence; Social and Communication Skills; Financial Skills; Technology Skills; Physical and Emotional Well-Being; and Micro-Enterprise Fundamentals. The classroom learning activities are followed by 2-3 hours of work-based learning experiences under the supervision of a qualified Instructor or Job Skills Trainer. At Greenville High School, the Instructor is Mrs. Julia Slyder and the Job Skills Trainer is Mrs. Angelitta Via. Individual goals are also addressed in collaboration with Darke DD and are based upon the needs of each student intern to increase the likelihood of growth and mastery toward their future adult plans.
In January, Greenville High Schools’ Project LIFE program developed a partnership with the Brethren Retirement Community. Students have already experienced working in Dining Services and Environmental Services. When asked what they enjoy most about Project LIFE, students responded, “learning different job skills, cooking, and trying something new on jobs.” Lisa Gasper, executive director and administrator at the Brethren Retirement Community, noted that “the kids have done a good job and we enjoy having them. They bring a lot to the table!”
Through this partnership, Project LIFE students will complete a pre-apprenticeship program, work-based learning with evaluations, and earn the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal, all of which are key components to their successful graduation from high school. Greenville City Schools thanks the Brethren Retirement Community for their willingness to provide Project LIFE students with opportunities to maximize their potential.
