JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo — The Jefferson County School District has unveiled its newest learning opportunity for students.
Rise Up Café opened in the district’s education center and is run by Jeffco Transition students and leaders. The Jeffco Transition Services (JTS) program is part of the district's special education department that works with 18–21-year-olds transitioning from high school to adulthood.
“Our program is all about real-world experiences for our students and getting that next step,” Jeb Brako, JeffCo Schools' assistant director for special education. “After public school ends, there’s really a lack of support for our young adults with unique needs so getting them ready for adult life is everything that we do.”
Through the program, 135 students at 11 different locations across the district learn skills like job exploration and development of social/communication skills. Through the coffee shop, students are getting on-the-job training.
“This site is a work site for us where you have two shifts of three every day,” Brako said. “We’re going to have about 15 students here working throughout the week.”
According to the district, JTS is an optional program for young adults who have completed their high school education who demonstrate a need for significant support in training in areas of careers/employment, education/training and adult independent living. Brako said the goal is getting their students ready for the next step.
“Our program is all about real-world experiences for our students,” Brako said. “We’re working towards interactions and social interactions, the nuances of conversation, those different pieces, just the task…what do you do when something goes wrong.”
The program is helping students like 18-year-old Gabe Krueger, who is a barista at Rise Up Café. He’s planning on taking classes at Front Range Community College, pursuing a degree in meteorology.
“Even when you learn something, you shouldn’t forget about it,” Krueger said. “When you’re an adult, you need to be able to problem solve. That’s one of the things our teacher is getting us to do.”
Brako said they want to prove that their students can do anything they set their minds to. The district is currently accepting donations so places like Rise Up Café can help students get the necessary skills they need to be successful.
“That might look like day programming for some, might be employment, continuing education,” Brako said. “That’s where the learning happens in sort of this unique dynamic moment.”
For more information about JTS or to make a donation, click here for more information.
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