A Unique Vocational Training Experience for High School Seniors with Learning Disabilities
NEWARK, NJ (June 7, 2019) – On June 7th, nine Newark high school seniors from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s (NBIMC) Structured Learning Experience Program were awarded certificates for their successful program completion during an emotional ceremony in the medical center’s auditorium.
This The Structured Learning Experience Program, a partnership between NBIMC and Newark Public Schools, offers high school students with learning challenges the opportunity to complete their senior year of high school at Newark Beth Israel. This is the 13th graduating class of the Program.
The students spend a portion of the day receiving onsite classroom instruction from a Newark Public School special education instructor and another portion of their day learning from hospital staff and contributing to hospital departments.
By the end of the Program these students meet the academic requirements for graduation and have worked alongside employee mentors in various hospital departments based on their interests and abilities.
“As one of the few programs of its kind for students who were considered at-risk youth because of learning challenges, it is inspiring to see our students gain the confidence they need to be successful after graduation,” said Kim Cook, MPA, Director, Social Impact and Community Investment, who runs the Program.
“Through the Structured Learning Experience Program, Newark Beth Israel has provided internship opportunities for close to 150 special needs students,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE, FHELA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “Many of these students go on to careers in health care, and have found employment as Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians.”
The Structured Experience Program was a 2016 NJBiz Healthcare Hero Award finalist and was recognized by the Essex County and Newark Workforce Development Boards’ Disability Issues Committee as an Employer Who Champions Employment for People with Disabilities.
Class of 2019 graduates include: Tiquay Givens (Central High School), Mikaia Granger (University High School), Marquis Huey (West Side High School), Hillary Juncal (Arts High School), Mildania Lizardo (Central High School), Luis Mendez (West Side High School), DaShawn Simms (American History High School), Rickie Spann, Jr. (University High School), and Waliyah TaaHaa (Central High School).
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a 665-bed regional care teaching hospital that provides comprehensive health care. Newark Beth Israel is home to one of the nation’s top five heart transplant centers, Barnabas Health’s Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program; New Jersey’s only Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program and a Valve Center that performs more cardiac valve procedures, including minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs), than any other center in the state. The Newark Beth Israel robotic surgery program is the most experienced in northern New Jersey. The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center provide seamless integration of cancer prevention, specialized care and treatment options. Newark Beth Israel also offers many preventive health programs that promote wellness in the community.
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Contact:
Patricia Mitrano
patricia.mitrano@rwjbh.org
973-926-7531