Our gratitude goes out to the KFC Foundation for a $10,000 “Kentucky Fried Wishes” grant that has provided LifeScape with a specialized workforce readiness curriculum for young adults. The curriculum, Project Discovery, was developed by Education Associates, of Louisville, KY. It is designed to retain students through high school by engaging their interest in career paths, and to provide job-ready candidates for the workforce.
LifeScape has an adapted version of the curriculum, designed to meet the needs of students with the most significant challenges. It includes video modeling and dynamic supports such as audio, text, and role playing to match the learning style of all students.
Project Discovery uses evidence-based learning techniques. It provides hands-on lessons in functional work and life skills, broken down into levels of training to accommodate all skill levels. It is designed for students ages 16 to 21 and is used in LifeScape’s Pathways to Life school for young adults.
“Project Discovery has proven to be incredibly easy to use, providing educators with readily accessible materials and resources,” says Special Education Director Dr. Tammi Waltjer-Haverly. “With everything at their fingertips, teachers can seamlessly integrate the curriculum into their lesson plans and instructional strategies with minimal effort.
“Our students have been taught the Life Skills Social Self Care program, which is specially designed to address the needs of individuals living with developmental disabilities.
“We currently have 11 comprehensive units,” says Dr. Waltjer-Haverly. “Our teachers have the flexibility to explore various elements within different fields of employment and volunteering. Favorites such as animal care and food services have received positive feedback from both teachers and students.”
Dr. Waltjer-Haverly says LifeScape’s teachers have praised the curriculum for its user-friendly nature and comprehensive content. “They appreciate having everything they need conveniently packaged and readily available for their immediate use.” She says online files make presentations easy to adapt and present. “The curriculum’s adaptability to several levels has also been an incredible feature.”
She says the students have embraced the real-life experiences and opportunities for hands-on learning. The “deep dive” into their individual areas of interest have helped develop a deeper enthusiasm for learning overall. The materials work well for both individual and group instruction, catering to the range of learning needs and preferences of the students.
The KFC Foundation seeks to support, empower and serve joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities, carrying on the legacy of charitable giving of KFC Founder Colonel Harland Sanders. One of their main areas of philanthropy is education.
We thank the KFC Foundation for this generous gift to help our students move forward on their paths to independence through workforce exploration and preparedness.
