By 1808Delaware
With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Big Walnut Local Schools is launching an innovative program designed to help students with special needs transition smoothly from high school to adulthood. The FLIGHT program—an acronym for Future Life of Independence Gained through Holistic Transition—offers select students the opportunity to delay their diplomas and continue receiving support as they participate in job coaching, skill development, and community engagement.
A Holistic Approach to Life Skills and Independence
The FLIGHT program is tailored for students who have completed their high school academic requirements but benefit from additional support in transitioning to postsecondary life. By deferring their diplomas, these students can remain engaged in structured learning environments that emphasize real-world skills. The program focuses on functional skills across several areas, including academics, wellness, social skills, and leisure activities, providing a comprehensive approach to fostering independence.
The FLIGHT initiative is available to students whose educational teams have identified this pathway as beneficial, allowing them to participate until age 22. This program model supports a gradual transition into adult life, helping students navigate their way into postsecondary options such as employment, further education, or vocational training.
Community Partnerships and Job Coaching Opportunities
A significant feature of the FLIGHT program is its collaboration with local businesses that open their doors to students for short-term job placements. These partnerships are crucial, offering students practical, hands-on experience in a supportive setting where they can develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Students are accompanied to job sites by school staff members who act as job coaches, providing guidance and supervision to ensure a positive and educational work experience.
Local businesses, both large and small, have already begun partnering with the FLIGHT program, recognizing the mutual benefits of supporting these students. By participating, businesses not only contribute to the students’ personal and professional growth but also help cultivate a more inclusive community.
How Local Businesses Can Get Involved
Big Walnut Local Schools is actively seeking more community partners to join the FLIGHT program. Businesses interested in offering job placements or exploring other ways to support this initiative are encouraged to reach out. The program aims to create a network of supportive environments where students can thrive, develop skills, and build meaningful connections that will aid them in their transition to independence.
Contact Information for Interested Partners
If your business is interested in participating in the FLIGHT program and supporting students in their journey towards independence, please contact Amanda Citro, the lead instructor of the FLIGHT program, at [email protected]. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of these students and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community.
Looking Ahead: A Community Resource
The FLIGHT program represents a valuable resource not just for students but for the entire community. By integrating educational support with practical, real-world experiences, Big Walnut is fostering a culture of inclusion and independence. The district is eager to see this program grow and continue to serve as a model for how schools, families, and communities can collaborate to support young adults as they transition into the next stage of their lives.
