Traditional classrooms aren’t the only place where high school students learn new things. Every workday from 12:40 to 2:40 p.m., Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) senior Carroll Barnes is learning outside the classroom through his school’s Work-to-Learn program. He hitches a ride from the program’s van and arrives at the Professional Development Center (PDC) of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, in Frederick, Maryland for two hours’ of on-the-job training. He’s tasked with a broad range of general office duties, such as filing, shredding, and stocking printers. He also assists with the PDC’s training support activities, including collating and distributing classroom materials and labeling laboratory equipment and supplies.
As the PDC Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEOAC) Chair, I oversee his daily activities and coordinate the work needed by our staff with his availability. In addition to gaining administrative and clerical work experience, Carroll is also exposed to the broader APHIS mission of safeguarding American agricultural and natural resources from invasive pests. The PDC provides training, leadership and consultation to APHIS employees and others who work to protect the Nation’s agriculture and natural resources from plant pests and diseases. Carroll believes that “all happiness depends on courage and work,” and adds he’s “learning about my new job, learning to schedule my time, to balance my budget…” which he suggests are good life lessons that everyone should learn.
Patrick Boyton, PDC Program Specialist and former EEOAC Chair, reached out to MSD four years ago after reading an article in a local newspaper. “The article stated that the Maryland School for the Deaf was beginning a new work study program and was looking for work opportunities for their students,” Patrick said. “At the time, I was exploring ways that our local EEOAC could partner with the greater Frederick community. It just seemed like a perfect fit.” Since then, the PDC has partnered with five Work-to-Learn students.
Chris McQuaid, Employment Specialist with MSD’s Internship Program, explains the program. “MSD's Work-To-Learn Program offers specialized transition services for selected high school juniors and seniors providing them hands-on work experience. Students hold jobs in the community, earn a paycheck and have opportunities to build skills while gaining valuable job experience.” He notes that MSD administers a separate grant that pays the student for their time. The partner gains the work performed by the student; the student gains a paycheck and work experience towards their future; and both gain a positive experience from the interaction.
USDA Federal Disability Employment Program Manager Alison Levy notes that, “On both a personal and professional level, (the PDC’s) relationship with MSD is a great model for others to emulate throughout USDA.”
Carroll’s a bright, personable young man with big plans for his future. He’s a football player and fan, and is planning on starting college at Rochester Institute of Technology next fall. “This experience has really helped me to get to know about this kind of work, but will also help me learn other jobs faster,” he says about his experience.
I think he’s off to a great start, and I’ve been delighted to be a part of his experience with the USDA. It’s providing a valuable education for us all.
See more about Carroll’s journey here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dGSGjUoTUQ&list=UUa0vIRRveIsz_fzhl_H6VtA
