Chad felt like he had no where to turn. Without support at home and enough credits to be promoted, he was on the verge of dropping out, or disengaging, from the Manchester, NH school system. His prospects for the future were bleak, with no job or work history; it is likely he would have ended up homeless.
Through Granite State Independent Living’s Earn and Learn program, Chad spent five weeks this summer attending classes in the morning and working in the afternoons. In the program he learned how to write a resume, fill out job applications and understand payroll deductions. The class visited Manchester Community College and now understands what options they have beyond high school. He also took an English class for high school credit, helping him advance towards his high school diploma.
The Earn and Learn program truly changed the lives of 12 high school youth with disabilities. In the program chronic absenteeism, disruptive behavior and low effort disappeared. These students were selected from a pool of 48 applicants and felt tremendous pride in being selected and the opportunity they had been given.
“Without GSIL I wouldn’t have come as far as I have. I have a job now, I know where I want to go to college and I have gained many skills that I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else,” said Chad.
Today these students are reengaged in high school and through their experience, have a better understanding of who they are as individuals, what their learning style is and how to identify what is meaningful in their lives in regard to the future.
To learn more about the Earn & Learn Program, contact Maureen O’Donnell, Director of Vocational Services at (603) 518-4600 or modonnell@gsil.org