LEAP Coaches the 2024 Summer Youth Work Experience.

(Photo caption: Isaiah and Elijah have enjoyed their experience at Fitworks.)

The Summer Youth Work Experience (SYWE) is an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) program which provides students with disabilities aged 14-24 with the opportunity to explore careers and gain on-the-job training. LEAP, as an OOD-approved provider, operates a variety of work sites each summer.

These work experiences are 20 hours per week for each student, for five weeks, and an educational component is a key part of the program. All participants are paid directly for their time, and they earn at least the employer’s minimum wage.

The goal of the SYWE is to help students prepare for competitive integrated employment by giving them the opportunity to participate in paid community work experiences.

LEAP (Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential) has a work site at Fitworks, a local fitness club, in Rocky River Ohio. Let’s meet two high students with disabilities who are participating in the 2024 summer program.

Isaiah

He will be entering 11thgrade this fall and likes to keep busy! In addition to his summer job at Fitworks, Isaiah is a football receiver & actor in musicals at his high school, helps his grandpa at his car shop & laundromat, writes & performs rap music, and helps the rest of his family when they need it.

Fitworks is his first formal job experience, and he enjoys keeping things clean and organized for the club members. His daily tasks include cleaning mirrors and windows, vacuuming, keeping the workout machines organized, and arranging weights for a great customer experience.

Since Isaiah is very active, one of his favorite quotes is, “Just do it.” He believes in maximizing his experiences. Isaiah heard about the Summer Youth Work Experience at his high school. One his choices was Fitworks which was a natural match for his high energy! He really enjoys interacting with the people and a future job may include a superhero role. Stay tuned!

Elijah

He will be a 11thgrader this fall. Elijah’s favorite subjects are English and Geometry, but he likes all his classes.

Elijah is responsible for cleaning the workout machines, wiping down the lockers, cleaning & sanitizing, and ensuring all areas are in good condition. He really likes the Fitworks staff who are respectful and helpful. Customers are also nice in a pleasant working environment.

This is his first summer job and he is working Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 to 2:30, for five weeks. Elijah’s advice to other student participants is, “Learn as much as you can learn.” Being patient and enjoying yourself is an important part of his work style.

Job Coach

Kailey Dunham, LEAP’s job coach at Fitworks, is a Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) intern who wanted to work with people with disabilities. It has been a very rewarding experience for Kailey, and she has learned a new perspective about helping a team succeed. She attends Oberlin College and majors in Neuroscience and Psychology.