The new facility will help accommodate growing enrollment in the Accessing Community through Career Environments for Student Success, or ACCESS, program, which has more than doubled in recent school years, district officials said at an Oct. 21 board of trustees meeting.
The big picture
In November, students in the ACCESS 18-plus program will begin transitioning into a 13,359-square-foot building behind the district’s administration building. LHISD renovated the preexisting space using $5 million in 2023 bond funds.
The facility will feature spaces for students to practice skills used at home, in the kitchen, at work, and while shopping, including:
- Residential and commercial kitchens
- Technology learning center
- Living/home labs
- Residential laundry learning center
- Classroom spaces
From the 2022-23 to 2024-25 school year, the program’s enrollment increased from 12 to 26 students, said Kimberly De La Houssaye, executive director of student support services. Around 30 students are projected to be enrolled in the program next school year, she said.
The background
The district’s ACCESS program helps support young adult students with employment, post-secondary education and training, community access, and independent living upon completing high school.
Support through the program can range from pre-employment skills to job experiences as well as assistance with applying for colleges or certification programs, De La Houssaye said.
Students have practiced life skills by visiting H-E-B, volunteered at local businesses, and received paid employment at H-E-B and Operation Liberty Hill, among other businesses, she said. Some students participate in skills training and classes at Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital through Project SEARCH.
Students receive their high school diploma upon completion of the program through one of the following avenues:
- Attaining functional self-help and employability skills
- Connecting with community services
- Reaching the age of 22
LHISD will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and come-and-go open house event for the new facility Nov. 21 from 5-7 p.m, according to district information.
Moving forward, LHISD is looking to connect more students with certification programs and continuing education, and expand partnerships in the community for volunteer and employment opportunities, De La Houssaye said.
