Programs Help Walled Lake Special Needs Students Prepare for College, Work

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools high school students with special needs have access to two new programs, thanks to partnerships with two educational institutions. 

Carolyn Brown, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools teacher consultant with Special Services, initiated the programs for students with Individual Education Plans who were on track to complete high school.

In a collaborative program with Oakland Community College (OCC), 60 juniors and seniors received college credit. OCC fully funded the $10,000 program, including the necessary transportation of students to both the Orchard Ridge and Highland Lakes campuses. Some 30 students took classes in the fall and another 30 students completed classes this spring on topics that included success seminars, time management, study strategies and orientation to college. 

"We are excited to continue this program because OCC has agreed to continue to offer this to Walled Lake students," Brown said. 

The second opportunity offers a camp experience for juniors and seniors, through the Michigan Career Technical Institute (MCTI), beginning in July in Plainwell, MI. MCTI, through the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is offering two, one-week sessions.

Students will develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), and they will be assessed for independent living. 

"These experiences give our students confidence, college credit and most importantly, opportunities to begin a bright future," Brown said. 

"Carolyn’s networking with Oakland Community College, Michigan Career and Technical Institute and MRS has expanded career/technical and college opportunities for our students," Dr. Sheryl Brown, director of Special Services, said. "She is a strong advocate and ambassador for the students we serve in Special Services."