BFAIR Learning Lab Open and Expanded
"Our goal is to get more students in and to get that hands-on experience they really deserve," Director of Employment Services Becky McAllister said at the Learning Lab open house Wednesday. "Before we really didn't have the space for it. This is a fun bright colorful space."
The program is open to high school and post-secondary students ages 14 to 22 with a documented disability. The goal is to equip students with the skills they need to enter the post high school world.
"We want the people in the community to know we are here and to know you don't need a school to come to us," she said. "We teach them everything they need to know ... we help them figure out what kind of career they may be interested in."
The Learning Lab accomplishes that in a classroom setting that feels nothing like a classroom.
"This is an idea we had. We wanted to have a space where kids could come and not feel like they are in school," she said. "We wanted this to be a fun environment but also a place where they felt safe where they can learn."
The Learning Lab, located at 1000 Mass Ave., is styled with blue, green, and white walls. Within there is shiny a fleet of new Mac computers and a smartboard with telecommunication. Connected to the classroom is a lounge where students can kick back, chat, get some work done, or grab a snack.
At the center of the lab are Mecha Kits that allow students the opportunity to explore, hands-on, an array of different careers.
"We all grow up and say 'this is what I want to be when I grow up," McAllister said. "This gives them the opportunity to really see if that is what they want to do."
The kits vary. Students can try their hand at HVAC repair, cosmetology, food service, among other things. One kit contained a full motor for students to tinker with. Another held a 3D printer.
This was supported by $30,000 from the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
The kits are coupled with software that starts students off before cracking open the trunks.
Student Gretchen Hartlage said she had her eyes on the food service trunk. She said she was excited to expand her cooking skills.
Hartlage said, overall, the program has helped her prepare for life after high school.
"It is nice and you can experience lots of things like how to use the bus from North Adams to Pittsfield," she said. "There are a lot of different classes ... you learn different skills like communication, attitude, and self-advocacy."
The program is revolving and any student can be referred. Students can enter and exit the program at will. McAllister estimates they serve between 50 and 70 students a year. Although space is limited because of COVID-19 guidelines.
Berkshire Family And Individual Resources' Chief Executive Officer Rich Weisenflue thanked the staff for imagining the program. He said those in the field always know where the actual needs in the community lie.
"They identified a need they understood that need because of their level of experience in the community," he said. "...To understand that need and coming up with something creative to bring it fully into operation that ultimately lets us say 'here is a career."
Tags: alternative programs, BFAIR,
