Transforming Potential Into Purpose: The Power of Summer JET

Article courtesy of The Blount Countian

Local Student Keeps Cars Sparkling at Thompson Motors

Have you driven by Thompson Motors in Oneonta lately and noticed the spotless cars gleaming in the sun as if beckoning you to stop and shop? Or, perhaps leave you wishing whoever detailed their cars would do yours as well?

The person behind those squeaky clean cars is local student Ben Stephens, a senior, who is participating in the United Ability Summer JET program. The program, funded by ADRS, allows students with varying abilities to learn valuable employment skills that will stay with them throughout their chosen job fields.

Ben’s Path to the JET Program

Ben says he is enjoying his time at Thompson Motors as he gets to learn and do several new things while also earning a paycheck. So, what led Ben to the JET program? “I really like my teachers and wanted a summer job,” he said.

How Transition Classes Prepare Students for the Workplace

When asked how the transition classes he was taught throughout the school year (at all area high schools) helped him, Ben replied, “It’s taught me about keeping up with my money and saving.” The transition classes offered through United Ability help me stay on track with budgeting, time management, and making sure I apply the principles at work that I learned in the classroom.” After Ben graduates this year, he plans on attending community college with his eye on Snead State.

The Role of United Ability and ADRS

This is just one of the many programs, funded by the Alabama Department of Rehab Services (ADRS), offered through United Ability. Their mission and services provide a variety of help for people of all ages and abilities by connecting them with our local community and empowering each participating “individual to live full and meaningful lives.”

For more information on the programs they offer, visit www.unitedability.org. As their vision statement says, “United Ability envisions a world where disability is neither defining nor limiting,” and the members of their team are passionate about that vision.

What Is the JET Program?

Kristi Brooks is a transitional specialist with United Ability and also helps with the Summer JET program, which stands for Job Exploration Training. This program allows students to earn a summer paycheck with local businesses.

“These students are part of the school system in the county and must meet certain criteria through ADRS, apply for the JET program, and go through an interview process. This is a free resource offered at local area schools. For more information talk to your school resource teacher and contact your ADRS Counselor. This program matches local employers with eligible participants for on-the-job training, mentoring, and work experience, regardless of one’s abilities.”

Summer Employment With a Purpose

Ben Bailey, transitions manager and a graduate of J.B. Pennington, said, “I am excited to see these resources brought back into our community.” The transitional classes offered in Blount County schools teach a variety of lessons, including how to build a resume, how and where to look for jobs, how to dress for an interview, and how to use body language effectively. They also offer job exploration by bringing in professionals to speak about different jobs and trades that are available to students.

How the JET Program Works

Once accepted into the JET program, students 16 and older go through an onboarding process where they fill out all their paperwork just like any other employee. Once they have completed this process, each student works approximately four hours a day, from 8 a.m. till noon. The program runs for six weeks with an extra week added to the end for any days they may have missed.

Real-World Lessons in Money Management

What happens after the paycheck? The students have also been taught money management skills in their transitional class. In this class, students are taught how to balance a checkbook, how to save money, how to make purchases, how much of a paycheck they can spend, and how much of a paycheck they need to save.

Students even did a monthly budget based on a career option they selected. They were able to see how much that career has the potential to earn and how to budget for housing, food, utilities, and more based on those earnings.

Where JET Students Are Working This Summer

Currently there are seven students serving in downtown businesses and another 10 students at UAB St. Vincent’s Blount. Bailey added, “I think this is such a phenomenal program, not just the JET program, but all programs offered by United Ability. It’s also exciting being involved in so many new businesses downtown. This is exactly what our mission is at United Ability. We not only want to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, but a community as well. Being able to see the support and partnerships as we continue to grow has been amazing, and we welcome any employers interested in partnering with us.”

Building Community Through Local Business Partnerships

Local businesses currently participating in the JET program are Wallace State-Oneonta, Wilson’s BBQ, Oneonta Senior Center, The Lunch Box, Creative Picture Framing, Second Chance Treasures, Evans Florist, Thompson Motors, Animal Hospital PC in Oneonta, and UAB St. Vincent’s Blount.