On April 3 Principal Gardner and representatives from the Fort Pierce Central High School Exceptional Student Education department (Jocelyn Gumbs, Deana Hadley, and Jeannette Baechle) visited Indian River State College to learn more about the Project STAGE program. They were given a tour of the campus, and they heard from Project STAGE students about the students’ experiences in the program.
Project STAGE is a transition program for intellectually disabled individuals at IRSC. It stands for Students Transitioning to Academics and Gainful Employment. The program offers students the opportunity to receive academic, employment, and other transitional supports while earning a certification in the pathway of their choice. Some examples of certifications that can be earned are HVAC, welding, childcare, and hospitality. Students also receive job placement assistance, with the goal of having gainful employment upon completion of the two-year program. The best part is that this program is available at no cost to students through scholarships. Interested candidates must apply and interview, as selection is competitive due to high demand.
