We all have goals of living independently and being self-sufficient but often obstacles and challenges get in our way. After successful participation in a combination of virtual and in person instruction due to Covid, two students were able to celebrate completion of a 2-year Learning for Independence (LFI) Program, moving them one step closer to meeting their goal of independence.
Learning for Independence is a cooperative transition program offered in partnership by Fond du Lac Area High Schools and Moraine Park Technical College. The students ranging in ages from 18- 21 years of age, have a documented disability and are current students at various Fond du Lac County High Schools. “It is inspiring watching the transformation from the first day our LFI students set foot on the MPTC campus to the completion ceremony two years later! Our students arrive as high school seniors and leave as confident adults with life skills and plans to continue with their present job or pursue new employment or enroll in classes to pursue a certification or degree at technical college. This amazing program would not be possible without the great partnerships of MPTC, Fond du Lac Economic and Workforce Development, the Fond du Lac Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, surrounding Fond du Lac County Schools and the School District of North Fond du Lac!” states Chris Schultz, LFI Program Director.
“When students start their LFI experience, they are anxious, excited and ready to embrace the program. During their two years, they meet students from different high schools and become friends quickly. They start to become a close group and help each other when needed. Their confidence levels and self-advocacy skills are completely turned around and almost mastered! The skills learned from each class will be ones they will be able to use when out living independently. At their completion ceremony each student speaks about what they learned, what they liked about the LFI program, and where they see themselves in five years. This is quite a transformation and all the instructors, people at MPTC, Chris Schultz and myself are so proud of all of them. We send them out with a job lined up, or already employed, and some have gone on to attend MPTC.”, states Jo Marchionda, LFI Coordinator and Instructor.
In person classes will be starting again in fall. For additional information on the LFI program or applications for enrollment, please contact Chris Schultz, School District of North Fond du Lac, at cschultz@nfdlschools.org or call 920-929-3750 ext 6143.