Going Back to School TSC Style

Edie Falk • October 3, 2024

What's it like to go back to school as a member of or student in one of TSC'S programs?

It's an old feeling: September signaling that it's time to go back to school. This looks a little bit different than walking into a traditional school building and sitting down in front of a Smartboard for The Service Collaborative's programs. For YouthBuild Buffalo students, going back to school can look like working on a construction site in the morning and going to gen ed classes in the afternoon. This schedule allows students to gain workforce certifications while simultaneously earing their high school equivalency.

Paul, our staff educator, noted, "A new school year is like spring in September. Everything is new and the potential is unlimited! The excitement of getting to know a whole classroom of fresh faces never disappoints. Add to that the fact that I'm not the only teacher at YouthBuild Buffalo- there are caseworkers, administrative staff, and skilled craftspeople- the young adults here are set up for the best diverse world education possible, and the results are palpable. Success breeds success- everyone wins." Through Paul, Kurt, Jeanna, Shayna, and all of our other wonderful partner instructors, YouthBuild Buffalo students develop diverse skillsets to succeed after they exit the program.

What's it like going back to school as an ABLE member?

What's it like going back to school as an ABLE member? Service in this program follows a slightly more traditional school schedule. ABLE members are paired with a teacher and classroom for their term of service. Members assist their classroom on a daily basis, supporting student needs and leading small group math intervention sessions with students needing extra support.

The ABLE program also acts as a learning opportunity for members. They'll engage in monthly education-focused trainings throughout their term of service. Ultimately, 70% of ABLE members will receive a job offer from their host site, in part due to what they learn through doing (figure from 23/34 program data).

We wish all of our members and students luck as the embark upon their journeys of learning and service this year. We can't wait to see what they accomplish!

This project is supported by the Employment and Training Administration of the US Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $1.875 million with 25% financed by non-governmental sources.