Mission of the Bender Leadership Academy

Joyce welcomes to the show Scott Hammerstrom, manager of programs and partnerships for Bender Leadership Academy. This non-profit organization has been serving students with disabilities since 2001. It accomplishes the mission of competency-based workforce development through a continuum of learning. Its goal is to increase long-term competitive employment for youth with disabilities. The Bender Leadership Academy delivers competency building programs that enable students with disabilities to engage in educational, empowerment and work opportunities, celebrate successes, and set and achieve career journey goals. Scott will discuss his role in the organization and the various programs and services it offers students with disabilities. Also joining Joyce on the program will be Maryann Kostelic, Transition Coordinator, with the Central Valley High School School in Monaca, PA and two of the district’s students, Courtney Sullivan (11th grader) and Taylor Rogers ( 12th grader) who recently benefited from the classes offered by the Bender Leadership Academy. Each will share how the classes have helped them prepare for the world of work.