Manalapan High School's "STEP" Gives Back For National Volunteer Week

The Student Transition Employment Program (STEP) at will work throughout the community from Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16 for Volunteer Week, according to a Freehold Regional High School District press release.

Some of the locations where STEP students will offer assistance include the Samaritan Center and the Senior Center, among other various locations. 

The assisted living facility, the Chelsea at Manalapan, has teamed up with STEP students.

“This partnership creates the latest workplace opportunity for the special needs students engaged in STEP across the district. Students volunteer there for a week at a time as a structured learning experience,” the FRHSD press release said.   

Additionally, STEP students and Manalapan’s High School Jazz Band will perform for residents of the Rt. 9 South assisted living facility on Friday, May 6, as well as volunteering, the release indicated. 

“The Student Transition Employment Program (STEP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with disabilities lifelong employment skills and career awareness opportunities,” the release explained. “The program encompasses both school-based training opportunities and community-based structured learning experiences in conjunction with participation in a Career Awareness and Vocational Exploration course each year the student is involved in the STEP program.”

According to the release, the STEP program is composed of three distinct phases aimed at teaching the students employable traits, participating in community service and job shadowing, and, ultimately, placement in employment and internship programs.

“With acquired employment skills, civic responsibility, and self-esteem, these students are ready to join the work force,” the release explains. 

For more information on National Volunteer Week visit the Hands-on Network Web site.