Moraine Park Celebrates the Completion of the 2020 LFI Class
We all have goals of living a happy meaningful life. After completing the “Learning for Independence Program” participants are able to achieve a higher level of success with living independently and being self-sufficient. On May 7, 2020 thirteen students were able to celebrate successful completion of a 2-year Learning for Independence (LFI) Program, moving them one step closer to meeting their goal of independence. Typically students are surrounded by family, friends, instructors and school staff for an on-campus celebration were the students share their LFI program portfolios and final comments of the program. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the celebration was held virtually for the first time.
“I am very proud of our LFI graduates! They have made so much progress over the past two years, meshed well as a group and became good friends through this program. Jo Marchiando and the MPTC instructors did a fantastic job of providing a variety of real-world learning opportunities and meeting the students where they were at. The pandemic forced our hand in quickly developing a virtual format and the MPTC staff, instructors and Jo collaborated and quickly adjusted sails,” states Christine Schultz, LFI Program Director.
LFI students are scheduled for three classes each semester at Moraine Park as well as participate in programs and activities on campus at no cost to the students to participate. During the 2 years of classes, students enhance their skills and exposure to career and educational options in technology, finance, manufacturing, customer service, child care and many other areas. “I enjoyed the home repair and virtual welding classes the best and working together as a team,” shared one of the students.
After completion, the students may have the opportunity to enroll in MPTC courses for credit based on individual needs, interests and preferences. There have been 2 students that transitioned into technical or associate degree programs after completing LFI.
Learning for Independence is a cooperative transition program offered in partnership by Fond du Lac Area High Schools and Moraine Park Technical College. The students range from 18- 21 years in age, have a documented need for transition services in education, employment and/or independent living. The students have completed four years of high school and met desired level of academic proficiency for graduation at various Fond du Lac County High Schools.
Classes will be starting again in fall 2020. For additional information on the LFI program or applications for enrollment, please contact Chris Schultz at cschultz@nfdlschools.org or call 920-929-3750, extension 6143.
