WEST GROVE, PA — More than two dozen local businesses and organizations were recognized Friday as the Avon Grove School District celebrated five years of success for its EMPOWER Work Program, a growing initiative that helps students with special needs gain real-world job experience and prepare for life after high school.
The district’s Special Education Department hosted an appreciation breakfast honoring the 30 community partners that provide employment opportunities, mentorship, and workplace training for students participating in the program. The event brought together students, employers, job coaches, parents, school administrators, Board of School Directors members, and representatives from the Avon Grove Education Foundation for a morning focused on gratitude and achievement.
Currently serving 23 Avon Grove High School students, the EMPOWER Work Program places participants in community-based work experiences one to two days each week. Through those placements, students develop workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility, and professionalism while building confidence and independence.
The atmosphere throughout the breakfast was warm and celebratory as students personally thanked the employers and mentors who have supported them throughout their journeys. Many shared heartfelt reflections on the opportunities and relationships they have gained through the program.
Now in its fifth year, EMPOWER has expanded significantly, growing to include 30 business and organizational partners throughout the region. Participating employers include Herr’s Snack Factory, Landhope Farms, Longwood Vet Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Walgreens Avondale, Wyncote Golf Club, the YMCA of Jennersville, and many other local organizations.
“The impact our community partners have on our students extends far beyond the workplace,” said Christa Schoen, AGSD transition coordinator for the EMPOWER Program. “By opening their doors and investing their time, these businesses help our students build confidence, develop critical life and employment skills, and discover what they are capable of achieving. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students.”
The program’s success reflects a strong partnership between schools and local employers, creating opportunities for students to develop transferable skills while making meaningful contributions within the community.
The district recognized all 30 participating partners for helping make the program possible, including ACE Hardware–Pocopson, Artistic Edge, ATI Physical Therapy, Aurora Pizza and Pasta, Avon Grove Library, Big Yellow Mug, Camp Bow Wow, Christian Life Center, Eddie’s Barbershop, Twin Pines, Herr’s Snack Factory, Kennett Ability Network, Kennett Square Library, Landhope Farms, Longwood Vet Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, North Creek Nurseries, Orphan Grain Train, Oxford Feed and Lumber, Pets and Friends, Saladworks, Salon Secrets, ServiceMaster, Shear Satisfaction, State Farm Insurance, Walgreens Avondale, Willowdale Chapel, Wyncote Golf Club, the YMCA of Jennersville, and Avon Grove School District.
As the program continues to grow, district leaders plan to expand EMPOWER during the 2026-27 school year by serving additional students and developing new community partnerships, further strengthening pathways from the classroom to meaningful employment opportunities.
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