YOUNG ADULT STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS GRADUATE WITH LIFE AND WORK SKILLS
Holland, MI-Twenty-four students in the Young Adult Services (YAS) program, a service of Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD), celebrated their graduation from YAS during a ceremony at the Allendale High School Ceglarek Fine Arts Center in Allendale on June 4.
After receiving a Certificate of Completion from their local high school, qualifying young adults ages 18-26 may choose to attend YAS to gain further work and life skills that allow them to enter adult life as independently as possible.
Cindy Beukema, YAS Instructor at the Holland Roerink-Knoll building, said, “Our young adults are making a journey into future endeavors as they move from Young Adult Services into various roles within their community. We are so proud of the effort our students have made!"
After graduation, YAS works with several agencies for student support resources. If not already accomplished, students continue to work on obtaining their GED, earning a driver’s license and living independently or semi-independently.
"Our graduates leave with high hopes and big accomplishments. Some will be leaving with part- or full-time jobs, others with many more options for community engagement through volunteering,” YAS Director John Koerner, said. “We are proud of all 24 of our grads!"
YAS currently has 19 classrooms servicing over 200 students across the county including locations in Coopersville, Grand Haven, Holland, Hudsonville, and Zeeland.
For more information, contact Michelle Ready at 616.738-8940 x4093 mready@oaisd.org
Young Adult Services
The Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26, receiving special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations. www.oaisd.org/yas
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org
**Pictured with students L John Koerner R Jennifer Wolters Executive Director of Special Programs for Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
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