For many teens, determining a path after high school can be stressful and challenging. For students who need extra support, the future can be especially daunting. That's where Abigail Edwards steps in.

As the job trainer with Elizabethtown Area High School, Edwards works one on one with students, pairing them with community businesses and organizations that provide on-site job experiences.

"I start with meeting with students with unique learning needs that are from ninth grade to 12th grade," Edwards said. "I help them come up with an idea of what they want to do after high school, and we expand on that idea: sometimes it's filling out an application, then working on interview skills; finding a part-time job in the community to build experience; or working on hard and soft skills to be successfully integrated into the community."

Edwards invites speakers in; arranges for job-related community-based instruction; and works with community partners to have students come in on a regular basis to work and learn.

"I am building a library of 'task boxes' for other skills such as silverware rolling, order fulfillment, vending machine sorting, creating a floral bouquet, folding and hanging clothing, etc., that teachers and students can borrow to practice skills on their own or (rotate) in a classroom setting," she said.

Depending on students' post-high school goals, Edwards may meet with them weekly or monthly.

"Many times, the community partners will hire students for an after-school job," she said.

The work is as varied as the community partners.

"We volunteer with the library or local churches. This year, I have met with The Spot, Frugal Finds and GEARS and many other local community partners that have been super interested in helping our students and their exceptionalities," Edwards said. "We've done some cleaning jobs, shelved books, served food at local schools, learned to cook and bake, organized work areas, boxed products ... and there are so many more skills coming this year."

Edwards emphasized that community support of the program is essential for its success.

"We are always looking for a variety of ways for the community to help with initiatives, including building task boxes," she remarked. "We are always looking for local community partners for field trips, guest speakers and new places to help students experience their community."

She noted that the program provides benefits for both the students and the organizations where they work.

"It's a rewarding program for the students and the business partners to be able to teach and watch students build confidence and flourish in positions that they are passionate about," she said. "After working with students and myself to get to know the ins and outs, we very quickly become an asset to help our local community thrive."

She added that involving students in experiences outside of the school is another way to help determine a teen's future.

"We, as a community, want to welcome our students with open arms," she said. "Many of them will need to be integrated in the community whether they decide on college, CTC, trades or just need a purpose and goal for the coming years after high school."

To learn more about the program, including providing opportunities for student work, contact Edwards at Abigail_edwards@etownschools.org.