For over a decade, Glynn County Schools’ Reaching Educational and Career Heights Program – commonly referred to as REACH – has broadened the academic horizons of students with special needs by connecting classroom instruction and employability skills with real-world experiences.
With the help of the College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA), students are equipped with the necessary tools to transition from school to a work environment. On Thursday, July 15, in front of a dozen or so staff members, Superintendent Dr. Scott Spence and President Dr. Michelle Johnston renewed the Glynn County Schools REACH Program and College of Coastal Georgia Partnership through the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Designed for Glynn County students who have completed four years of high school, participated in a minimum of three years of job readiness training, and are between 18 to 21 years old, with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, Dr. Pam McKinnon, Director of Special Education Services and Supports for Glynn County Schools, said the program promotes the experiential learning through career, social and academic development.
With a sharpened focus on providing hands-on, workforce development training, the REACH Program has tailored curriculum and instruction to meet the individualized needs of the students, while identifying the necessary skills to succeed in the classroom and in the community.
“We are very fortunate to have a college in our community that supports this concept. Our students get opportunities to experience college campus life, participate in various social events with students and enhance job readiness to promote a successful transition into real world, adult living.”
Since the partnership with CCGA began in 2015, approximately 20 students have graduated from the REACH Program and have become gainfully employed in the community.