Because I always seem to be on the verge of a deadline, I rarely participate in the Social Concerns presentations that we offer at the Hormel Historic Home. I schedule the speakers because I am interested in what they will be presenting, but I often just don’t have time to stay for the entire presentation. This week, I stayed, and I am glad I did.

Sara Gilberg from the Austin Public School District spoke about her classroom at the high school and the On Track Lab that is on Main Street in downtown Austin. This is Sara’s third year in Austin as the work-based-learning coordinator working with students having developmental delays and physical handicaps. The goal of the program is to help young people build skills that will help them transition to independent roles and jobs.

The curriculum used is called Practical Assessment Exploration System, PAES, and is a hands-on approach to learning and growing. Sara described the five work areas to which the participants are exposed as they build skills typical to a particular industry. Through state and federal funding, the program is able to guide student growth in a practical and positive environment. Gilberg indicated that 40-50 Minnesota school districts are now offering programs like this, and the benefit is being seen in homes, communities and schools all over the state.

Sara talked about a time when students with the kind of characteristics with which she deals would not have been able to attend a public school setting. They would have been institutionalized or kept at home. We are fortunate to have passionate people like Sara, and progressive school districts like Austin, to serve the needs of many capable and remarkable young people in our community. One person who attended the Social Concerns event asked Sara how she felt about the job she is doing. Her reply was “I have the best job in the world.” For more information regarding this specialized programming you can reach Sara at sara.gilberg@austin.k12.mn.us.

The HHH has a long tradition of and a commitment to offering free or low-cost educational programming to the community, and that will continue. Please join us at 10 a.m. on Oct. 21, to hear Jeff Baldus speak about how the Austin Area Foundation is serving the community. Social Concerns programming is free but we would like to know if you are coming so please call ahead if you can. 507-433-4243.