MCPL Job Training for Students with Disabilities
Mid-Continent Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
One of Mid-Continent Public Library's largest branches, the Woodneath Library Center, partnered with the local organization Vocational Services, Inc., to offer a 12-week internship for high school students with disabilities. The partnership was a mutually beneficial opportunity where students received hands-on job training and the Library was able to promote a career in libraries to a new and diverse audience.
Challenge/Opportunity
A skilled and diverse staff is a key component to sustainable success for libraries. Simultaneously, it can be difficult for individuals with disabilities to find new and exciting work opportunities that enrich their lives, which is what Vocational Services strives to achieve. This partnership helped accomplish both organizations' missions, offering students a new career path to consider for their future. The internship program gave students new skills and experience that will support their future long-term employment.
Key Elements of Innovation
With guidance from Woodneath branch staff, as well as on-site job coaches from Vocational Services, the 10 high school students who participated in this program (many of whom, this was their first job) were able to work on a variety of tasks and projects in the branch, including shelving and pulling books, weeding books from the collection, cleaning and organization, and setting up for programs. The students were incorporated into the branch’s staff schedule, given a curated list of duties, and of course, paid for their time. After clocking in, the students began their work with their job coaches providing extra support as needed. Duties were assigned with specific professional goals in mind from Vocational Services, including important workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Achieved Outcomes
From our Woodneath Library Center manager: "It was a joy getting to know each of the 10 students during their time with us. Each student was able to contribute within their skillset while also gaining valuable work experience. Their efforts made a real difference during a very busy season for us. At the end of the summer, several students expressed an interest in working for the library, which speaks to the impact of this partnership. We are truly grateful for their hard work and the energy they brought to our team."
Following the internship, several of the kids signed up for their first Library card, and Vocational Services, Inc., shared that 100% of the students reported that they liked their jobs and would recommend the program to their friends.
