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Rebby is one of over fifty ScenicView Academy students with autism who have interned at local businesses. Like many other students, Rebby's internship gave her the chance to shine and show she wouldn't be defined by her disabilities.
Click an image below to learn more about Rebby's journey & how ScenicView Academy is changing lives. |
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The Job-Gap
Too many adults with autism and learning disabilities are underemployed--if they are employed at all. The Huffington Post reports that "the combined unemployment and underemployment for young adults with autism is estimated at 90 percent nationwide" (see full article here.)
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On-Campus Employment
When students first arrive at ScenicView, they are immediatley employed in SVA's on-campus work program. This entails working a minimum of 10 hours a week in various job stations. “I got to work in the kitchen, custodial, and grounds,” says Rebby. “I liked the kitchen the best.”
Students learn a variety of skills from our vocational skills specialists. These skills include punctuality, dependability, communication, and following-instructions. They also learn job skills specific to areas they work in from their work supervisors. All of this gives them meaningful work experience and prepares them for employment in the community. |
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Community Internship
Once students demonstrate capability and competence in the on-campus program, vocational staff help students identify internships which fit the students interests and abilities. "I wanted to get a job outside of ScenicView. My job coach really helped me to find a job at NuSkin," said Rebby.
Rebby started by working in the dish room at NuSkin's restaurant, The Spoon. "Within probably a week, we realized this girl had a passion and a drive for the culinary arts and it was infectious. Almost immediately it was apparent we needed to do more with her. It was brutally obvious we needed to bring her on as an employee," said Wendy Hunter, Executive Chef at The Spoon. Within 3 months, Rebby was hired to work at The Spoon. Wendy continues, "She's gone from the dishwasher to the person we entrust the kitchen to as the closing cook. Her growth has been exponential." |
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Life After ScenicView Academy
If you ask Rebby about how life is now after ScenicView, she will rattle off a busy schedule full of culinary school, work, and time with friends. "I get up at 5 in the morning," she says. "I'm out the door by six," where she takes public transportation to culinary school at the MATC in Lehi from 7:30-10 AM each day. "I start work work at 12:30, I get off at 6, and then I go back home," Rebby says with a smile. She rounds off her evening with a movie or "cooking a big meal with friends."
Rebby has many plans and dreams for the future. After she finishes school, she plans to start her own food truck called Tsunami. |
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Other SuccessesRebby is one of many students who have completed or are currently in community internships. We are grateful to the many businesses and agencies supporting our students.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
ScenicView Academy's unique work program pays the wages of students while they work in community businesses. This gives employers a glimpse at the capabilities of our students while also helping the students to gain experience and build a resume. All donations help to fund our internship program.
