FITCHBURG — When the first STEP class graduated from Montachusett Regional Technical High School in June, it was a significant step forward for the 12 graduates, young adults with disabilities chosen to participate in the innovative workforce training program that was introduced at the school in April. Monty Tech was the only vocational school in Massachusetts to offer the grant-funded STEP program this year, the acronym standing for the Supportive Training and Education Program. The recent STEP graduates, ages 18 to 35, were the first to successfully complete the 40-hour program, which included specialized instruction and hands-on training in one of four trade-related areas: Culinary and Hospitality, Office and Copy Center Assistance and Retail Customer Service, with internships at participating area businesses.
In a graduation invitation sent out last month, Monty Tech Outreach Coordinator Melissa Lord called the STEP program “”truly exceptional” and said the school hopes to offer it again next year. Offered by the Commonwealth Corporation, the STEP grant provided funding for schools or community service agencies to develop workforce training programs designed to support young adults with disabilities. “Monty Tech was eager to apply.
..as this population is so often left behind,” Lord said.
The proposal they developed would serve up to 15 young adults whose disabilities ranged from Down syndrome to autism spectrum and social-emotional disorders. “We collaborate.
