Students in the summer Structured Learning Experience (SLE) program received stipends for the work they performed in their community internships through The Calais Foundation’s Learn ‘N’ Earn program. Students’ hard work at local businesses such as  ShopRite of Greater Morristown was rewarded with a stipend from the Foundation and its generous donors. Now in its second year, the stipend program helps students learn workplace and money management skills. Students in the program received their checks on the final day of the Extended School Year (ESY) program.

About the SLE program

The Structured Learning Experience program is partnered with the NJ Standards for 21st Century Life & Careers curriculum.  The program is designed to provide a progressive flow of classroom instruction for grades 8 through 12 Plus with practical work experience in-house and off-campus gradually becoming more demanding.  Working in a structured learning environment helps students cultivate the creative, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to be successful as adults.

By providing work experience first in-house, The Calais School is able to offer students a safe environment in which to learn how to interact with the business world. By grade 12 students are ready for the Structured Learning Experience off-campus in a variety of local community-based businesses.  Students investigate workplace readiness skills, evaluate employment trends, discuss the relationship between personal behavior and employability, and practice soft skills and workplace safety.

 

About The Calais Foundation

The Calais Foundation‘s mission is to empower children with serious learning and behavioral problems to overcome their disabilities so they can be responsible, productive and reach their fullest potential in life. A special interest is also placed on helping parents overcome and cope with unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. This mission is accomplished through innovative programming, information, education, grants, awareness and volunteer support for families and other organizations that serve the special needs community.