Ship SAILS and HIRE ME! held their open house Wednesday to provide information about the program from its directors, job coaches and SAILS students.
HIRE ME! and Ship SAILS is a collaboration between Shippensburg University and Big Spring School District to provide transition programs to students with disabilities. These students work with job coaches at job sites around campus to learn social and vocational skills while developing self-confidence.
Ship SAILS student Jamie described what the program means to him and said, “The program gives me a chance.”
The students all have their niche. Another student, Ian, described his job at Reisner.
“It helps me advance into civilization,” he said.
The former director of pupil services for Big Spring School District, Shippensburg Special Education professor and advocate for the development of the HIRE ME! program, William Gillet was honored Wednesday with a plaque in his honor. Mr. Gillet helped develop the HIRE ME program in 2016.
This gesture came during the graduation of the first ever Ship SAILS class, a massive accomplishment for the program.
The program has a deep appreciation for Gillet’s contributions. His vision has positively impacted members of the student body, faculty and Ship SAILS students and families.
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