MTC program teaches students with disabilities skills to enter workforce

Parrish’s Justin Torres, 19, has always liked art and working with machines.

So after he enrolled at Manatee Technical College and visited the advanced manufacturing program, he knew what he wanted to pursue. 

“I went in there and I saw everything,” Torres said. “I was like, ‘Wow.’” 

Dawn Giddens, the Project EDGE coordinator at MTC, said the 900-hour program is meant for students with intellectual disabilities, with an IQ of 69 or lower. Project Edge, which stands for “Empower Develop Grow Educate” is a “postsecondary, non-degree-seeking transitional program” according to the MTC website.

The program is grant funded through the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.

Paul Gansemer, the executive director of adult, career and technical education at the School District of Manatee County, said the idea behind the program is to improve self and career development.

“At the same time, it's about having them on campus with the other traditional students,” Gansemer said. “It's about having them be a part of the culture on campus, and it's about the campus understanding and accepting the students for who they are and what they can do.”

Giddens said they learn foundational skills including how to budget and advocate for themselves. A huge part of the program is job exploration as well.

“A lot of them, they've gotten to work at Publix, they've gotten to work at Goodwill, but there are so many more options out there that they might not be aware of,” Giddens said. 

Photo by Madison Bierl

Torres said that the Project EDGE program so far has been 50% hard work and 50% learning that has come relatively easy. 

Giddens said Torres will continue to attend advanced manufacturing because that is what he is truly passionate about.

“He is one of those students that, come February, we'll look at a change of program for him and he will look to probably go over there next year and enroll full time,” Giddens said. 

Giddens said the students in the Edge program learn foundational skills including how to budget and advocate for themselves. A huge part of the program is job exploration.

“A lot of them, they've gotten to work at Publix, they've gotten to work at Goodwill, but there are so many more options out there that they might not be aware of,” Giddens said. 

“A lot of our students need accommodations, so they're learning about what accommodations they might be able to get in the job or even in the classroom,” said Carrie Walden, the Project Edge classroom instructor. “A lot of them are shy, so we need to break that shyness so that when they're out and about, they will say, ‘Hey, I need some help.’”

This is the second year of the program with eight students ranging in age from 19-24. Last year there were eight between 18-27. 

“I loved it when I saw my old students working so hard in the class,” Walden said. “I told them it's gonna be hard, it's a lot of work, but it's definitely a payoff.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Mia Desire Pardella, 19, said she decided to join the program to get out of her shell and try new things. Pardella wants to become a phlebotomist, which is a medical professional who draws blood. 

“One thing that Walden has taught me, which is still a little nervous for me, is not always being perfect,” Pardella said. “You're not always going to be exactly what you want all the time, and it's okay. I’m very ‘I need everything to be exactly a certain way.’ I'm not really just okay with getting something wrong.” 

Photo by Madison Bierl

The first group went from Aug. 12 to May 30. Gansemer said people often compare the size of the program to others, but said it is meant to be small and concise. 

Lakewood Ranch’s Ella Quaid, who has down syndrome, was one of the eight students who went through the program and graduated in May. She said she felt more grown up and independent, because she made all of her own decisions like any other college student. 

“It was a great opportunity for Ella, and we were really happy for her to be part of the first cohort,” Stacy Quaid said. “Knowing that it was a new program, I think they did a great job making Ella feel comfortable and teaching her a lot and preparing her for work, which is Ella's choice for her next step.”

Ella has worked at Publix stocking shelves since 2022 and is currently searching for another job. She is interested in working in some sort of lab or hospital.

Of the other students who completed the program along with Ella, five students chose to continue attending MTC in different programs — baking and pastry, culinary, advanced manufacturing, early childhood education and construction production.