Upper St. Clair District Nationally Recognized For Innovative Program Involving Students With Disabilities

Upper St. Clair School District has won national accolades for its innovative SHOP@USC program. The district is one of three grand prize winners in the 23rd annual Magna Awards program sponsored by the American School Board Journal, the National School Board Association’s magazine.

The Magna Awards honor school districts that take innovative and creative steps to aid students and improve their communities.

Established two years ago, SHOP (Showing How Opportunity Pays) is a student-run business pairing students with disabilities with those without them. The business produces and sells Upper St.Clair-themed items such as signs, banners, greeting and business cards and other items.

Students “create, design, fabricate and market a variety of products,” said Michelle Zirngibl, the program’s coordinator. “Students are receiving valuable experiences in fabrications as well as sales. In addition, it’s the soft skills such as teamwork, communication, professionalism and enthusiasm that students gain experiences in learning.”

There currently are 38 students participating in the program. Seventeen participate in the school’s Life School Support program assisting special needs students.

As a grand prize winner in the under 5,000 students category, Upper St. Clair will receive $5,000. The district also will be recognized at the NSBA’s annual conference this weekend in Denver.