The students of P12X Lewis & Clark School, a District 75 school catering to students with special needs, including autism, are demonstrating the power of community engagement through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The program, which involves 120 students, is focused on cleaning and beautifying their local neighborhood in Westchester Square while also teaching them valuable life skills and the importance of giving back to the community.
A Unique Opportunity for Special Needs Students
The SYEP at P12X is tailored to meet the needs of students with various learning disabilities, offering them an opportunity to engage in meaningful work that enhances their sense of belonging and responsibility within the community. The students are guided by Robert Starks, who serves as a teacher during the academic year and as a supervisor during the summer. Under his guidance, the students are not only learning how to maintain cleanliness and order but also how to contribute positively to their surroundings.
“Our program is a part of the business improvement district (BID), and we focus on helping keep the community clean,” Mr. Starks explained during an interview. “We go out every day, weather permitting, and ensure that the local businesses and streets around our school are presentable for the people who live here and those who patronize the area.”
Community Impact and Student Involvement
The students’ tasks vary depending on the group they are assigned to. Some students work around the school, cleaning the premises and making sure the area is well-maintained. Others venture out into the broader community, focusing on cleaning the crevices around local businesses to ensure the neighborhood remains inviting and tidy.
One of the key aspects of the program is the routine and discipline it instills in the students. “The students sign in and out every day, and they are responsible for keeping track of their hours,” Starks noted. “By this time in the program, they know the drill – it’s all about teaching them responsibility and work ethic.”
In addition to their cleaning duties, the students also receive uniforms – white shirts and blue hats – that they proudly wear while performing their tasks. “They wanted to create their own uniforms, and we supported that initiative by getting the shirts and hats made,” Starks shared.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The SYEP at P12X goes beyond just providing employment; it’s about instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the students. According to Dr. Kuvana Jones, the principal of P12X, the program is designed to help students connect with their community and understand the value of their contributions. “Our students are learning that they have a moral obligation in society and that they can make a difference within their community,” Dr. Jones said in a statement. “This program teaches them to familiarize themselves with the community and connect with the people, which is crucial for their personal and social development.”
The program’s holistic approach is further emphasized by the school’s partnership with the AHRC Agency, which supports the students and their families in various aspects, from academic support to agency services. “We are not just focusing on academics but also on work-based learning, which is essential for our students’ transition into adulthood,” said Delores Walters, the Transition Coordinator at P12X.
A Rewarding Experience
For Starks, the most rewarding part of the program is seeing the students take pride in their work. “At the end of each day, we have a debrief where we talk about what went well and what could be improved. It’s an opportunity for the students to reflect on their experiences and learn from them,” he explained.
The students are compensated for their work, earning $16 per hour, which not only provides them with financial independence but also reinforces the value of hard work. “They are paid through the Summer Youth Employment Program, and they receive their earnings either through a debit card or direct deposit,” Starks mentioned.
As the summer progresses, the students of P12X continue to make a positive impact on their community, proving that with the right support and opportunities, they can contribute meaningfully to society. Their efforts are not just about cleaning up the neighborhood; they are about building a better future for themselves and the community they belong to.
