AT&T and AT&T Foundation have awarded a $10,000 grant to North Branford Public Schools to support high school students with disabilities to expand their skills in seeking out post-secondary education and training. Students will receive instruction in financial literacy, explore career opportunities, experience real-world job experience and be encouraged to set future goals.

Students in the Bridges Program at North Branford High School (NBHS) as well as other NBHS students with disabilities will receive work experience to promote academic success. The Coffee Coop at NBHS is a job related work space that provides beverages and snacks to  faculty and staff. Students gain work experience through completing tasks in the workplace as well as completing managerial duties. This contribution will allow the Coffee Coop to expand opportunities to gain real-life experiences in the school setting.

In addition, students will visit a variety of job sites within their areas of interest, listen to speakers and practice transition skills including resume writing and interviewing. Visits to college programs paired with job sites will be provided to assist students in recognizing the range of jobs available within an identified area of interest.

Assessments will identify gaps in instruction and lessons will be developed to address student needs in these areas as well as monitoring employment skills such as arriving to work on time, dressing appropriately, appropriate communication with supervisors, employees and clients. Visits to post-secondary education and training programs will provide opportunities for students to experience campus life and identify available supports for students with disabilities. Students will attend a financial literacy seminar to learn about salaries and developing a budget, culminating with meeting with a financial counselor.