What better way to teach and reinforce workforce development skills than through hands-on, experiential learning that provides The Canopy School students multiple opportunities each day to interact with peers and adults, assume new responsibilities, explore interests and talents, and build self-esteem?
The Canopy School offers 9-12th grade students a pre-employment program based in experiential learning to prepare students for a successful transition to the world of work. The transition program is run by a licensed special education teacher with over 30 years of teaching, administrative and leadership experience. In partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), Canopy utilizes an evidence-based pre-employment curriculum to ensure The Canopy School covers state learning standards.
Students receive hands-on experience in:
- Self-advocacy
- Job exploration
- Work-based learning experiences
- Workplace readiness training
- Soft skills
Example experiences include:
- Office administration
- Mentoring programs
- Food preparation
- Retail operations
- Financial literacy
- Household management
Learn about MDRS Curriculum and Project Search
- Project Search is the supportive employment program offered through MDRS, and is a national, workplace-based transition program for students with disabilities that offers students a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations.
- Eligible students will transition from The Canopy School to the community-based Project Search program between the ages of 18 and 21 where they will receive a year of supportive employment training. Prospective participants must demonstrate mastery of skills in the areas of self-advocacy, punctuality and responsibility, ability to follow simple directions, willingness to work through challenges, and respect.
