Goddard Provides Unique Work Experience For Students With Disabilities

The summer months at Goddard provide the perfect opportunities to "Inspire the next generation as only NASA can." Goddard organizations such as The Office of Equal Opportunity and the Education Office sponsor summer programs that allow students from various regions and walk of life, an opportunity to be involved in the NASA/Goddard work experience.

Through the coordinated efforts of other agencies such as the High School/High Tech program in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties these opportunities also include students with unusual challenges such as those with disabilities.

Mentors and students spend some casual moments together during ice cream social.

Recently an ice-cream social was held in building #21 to recognize the efforts of 12 such students currently enrolled in the High School/High Tech summer internship program at Goddard. It gave the students casual time to interact with one another sharing thoughts and ideas about their work experiences at Goddard.

The internship program, sponsored by the Equal Opportunity Programs Office, was organized to encourage high school students with disabilities to pursue academic and professional careers in high tech fields. Now in its 11th year, the program provides the funding and on-site job coaches to support students and their mentors.

"We indeed make a difference in their lives," says Michael Hartman, Disability Program Manager for Goddard. "A big difference our program has made is in the expectations these students have for themselves," said Hartman. He stated that he has heard comments from students such as, "I learned more than I was suppose to." According to Hartman, other benefits of the program have included raising expectations of parents, teachers, school support personnel and school administrators.

	(left) Michael Hartman speaks with interns as Charles McNelly listens in. Photo credit: Debbie McCallum

"This program has been extraordinarily successful in helping young adults with disabilities realize they can have a career in high tech," said Charles McNelly, executive director, United Cerebral Palsy of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.

"The program at Goddard is one of the most successful in the country," said McNelly. "Goddard has been a leader in recognizing what we are trying to do," added McNelly. "Dillard Menchan and his organization have been true champions in assisting young people with disabilities," said McNelly. "They are to be commended."

High School/High Tech provides youth with disabilities in the Montgomery County and Prince George's County Schools, early exposure to careers in the science and technology-related fields. This exposure is multifaceted to insure the opportunity for a realistic career exploration and giving participants the opportunity to test their interests and abilities.

If you are interested in providing a unique work experience for a student, contact Michael Hartman at 6-5715.

For more information about High School/High Tech check out their web site at: http://www.high-school-high-tech.com/.