Ella
From the priority area Training & Education for Jobs

Ella has dreams for the future, just like any other 17-year-old. In her mannerisms and language, she doesn’t give any hint that at New London High School she is enrolled in Special Education Services. Ella doesn’t dwell on those circumstances or make excuses.

Last year, the school contacted First Step to provide classroom instruction and after-school vocational services to assist Ella with learning about work and finding and maintaining employment. First Step’s School to Work program assisted Ella with identifying her interests, skills and abilities which could be applied in the workplace. Other services provided include career exploration, interviewing strategies, interpersonal skills, job development and on-the-job support. “They taught me things you don’t think about,” Ella explains, “like how to dress at a job, how much makeup to wear, to represent yourself and be on time.”

Ella’s dedication and promise earned her high marks in the classroom instruction part of the program. Utilizing those skills, Ella explored job opportunities in the New London area with the School to Work program and found a part-time job. Ella now meets weekly with Matt Marquis, an assigned Employment Specialist, to review her work performance and discuss any concerns that may arise at work.

“She was always a standout,” says Matt. “She has a great work ethic and the desire to apply the skills she’s learned into the workplace.”

Ella is looking forward to expanding her work experiences in the future. “You need to do all the little things right like be presentable and have a good attitude, otherwise that can set you back,” Ella says. “You have to have the ball in your court to make things happen.”