Pathway’s mission is to build academic, social, and life skills in students with special needs to promote their success and independence after Pathway. The careers program does just that! It allows our students to get hands-on work, volunteering, and observing experience in actual business environments. This provides the students with opportunities to explore a variety of career options.
For over 10 years, Pathway has worked with Chick-fil-A in Audubon, PA for our careers program. Each year, Pathway has anywhere from 10-15 students who have work experiences in this environment. Our students participate in utilitarian-type work, as they use the technologies provided to assist the team and perform a variety of jobs in and around the dining room. They are supported by Pathway’s job coach, Alan Hallman. The students have the opportunity to use new technology by utilizing tablets on the work site. It has been a great way to expand the students’ knowledge and prepare them for employment in a very competitive job market.
Another career growing opportunity Pathway students have had this year, is being offered the chance to train at the actual training center for Chick-fil-A employees, in Eagleville, PA. Students work directly with the Training Center Coordinator, and experience the real-life preparations that Chick-fil-A employees must obtain.
“We are so happy to have the students from The Pathway School at our restaurant, five days a week. Not only are the students learning valuable social and technical skills but our staff is learning from them as well. My staff finds joy working with the students and helping them reach their full potential as they grow as individuals in the community.” — Sam Class, Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Audubon.
Pathway is thankful for Chick-fil-A Audubon and owner Sam Class’ continued support in the careers program and beyond, including food donations at Pathway events, sponsorship donations, and much more!
This article was originally included in our 2018-2019 Annual Report.