Special needs studentsget hands-on training

Andre Martushev's brow furrows in concentration as he applies a layer of cream-colored paint to the walls of the Camp Challenge lodge. Too engrossed in his work to respond to compliments on a job well done, he lowers his roller and dips it back into a pan to continue painting.

Andre is painting as part of the work-study program operated by the Mat-Su Borough School District's Student Support Services program. Through this effort, special education students from around the Valley enter partnerships with local businesses and organizations to gain real-life skills and job experience.

Special education students have recently partnered with Mat-Su College, CARRS, and the Animal Food Warehouse as part of the program.

The program targets students ages 16 and older who attend Valley high schools. Students from all four high Valley schools and Su Valley are represented, and range through all levels of cognitive and physical disability.

"There's been a wonderful outpouring of support for our outreach program," said Andy Nations for the District. "Our whole goal is to help kids transition into the world of work and develop skills that they can use there."

Snider, who acts as the executive director of Camp Challenge, sets groups of students to work twice a week sweeping, mopping, painting, doing laundry, and performing other simple tasks. He believes that performing these actions regularly encourages the students to develop skills that will aid them in day-to-day life.

The nonprofit Camp Challenge off of Bogard Road is run by the General Assembly of the Churches of God and hosts a yearly summer retreat that entails both outdoor activities and Bible education, and the facilities are rented out to organizations, corporations, and anyone looking for a little solitude during the rest of the year.

Snider is impressed with the results that he's seen among the workers visiting his lodge; he believes that the work aids both the students and his own enterprise equally.

He told a story of Martushev's great diligence and efficiency in clearing the walkway at Camp Challenge of snow and ice, a good example of the positive work the students are doing.

"He moved more snow in an hour than I could've in a day," he said.

The groundwork for future success in the workforce starts with these types of programs.

Recently, one student found that out firsthand, and is enjoying receiving a paycheck as a result of their hard work.

"One of the students did such a good job working at the Animal Food Warehouse that they offered her a paid position," he said.

"Here's a special needs student who's now supporting society rather than forcing society to support her.

"Some people don't see the potential in these kids," Snider remarked sadly. "But they just amaze me with what they can do."

Snider has boundless praise for the borough's program, both in terms of its formative effect on the students it targets and the benefits it affords to local institutions of all varieties.

"It's a great value to the students, who can develop life skills from the experience," Snider said. "But it's great for the community, too."