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Neurodiverse students to learn career skills in new teaching kitchen

Ashley Morales

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Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) recently received an $800,000 grant to complete the school’s new Culinary Teaching Kitchen. Photos provided.

A school for neurodiverse students recently received a grant to open a new culinary teaching kitchen that wll teach young adults career skills.

Founded in 2013, Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) is an inclusive school for students with special needs. The school’s mission is to inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive and succeed.

State Senator Nick DiCeglie and State Representative Adam Anderson recently presented an $800,000 grant to complete a culinary teaching kitchen in the school. The modern facility will provide hands-on training in personal and commercial kitchen skills. Students will also gain real-world experience through catering events and showcasing products crafted by them.

“This program will enhance culinary skills and offer job placement opportunities through community engagement at the LiFT Community Café,” said DiCeglie in a prepared statement. “It also promotes the development of important coping and social skills. This initiative reflects the legislature’s commitment to LiFT and its focus on empowering students for future success.”

LiFT students pose inside the school’s new teaching kitchen.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with a disability was 7.2% in 2023, about twice the rate of people without a disability. This number is an improvement over the 12.6% unemployment rate for adults with disabilities in 2020, but advocates say there’s still room to continue helping neurodiverse adults achieve gainful employment.

“It’s a real vote in confidence from the Pinellas legislative delegation that they see the value of the education that LiFT provides, and they see the great things that our students will be able to accomplish in this kitchen,” said Matt Spence, Executive Director of LiFT. “We’ll have the opportunity to help students gain industry certification in the culinary arts world [and] build those skills that are necessary to live independently; be able to prepare their own meals, prepare meals for friends, all sorts of things that are just very challenging for some of our student population.”

The teaching kitchen is part of the LiFT University Transition Program, which offers opportunities for neurodiverse young adults to develop the skills they’ll need to grow a career and live independently. Internships and microbusiness initiatives, like LiFT Your Fork Catering, provide on-the-job training aligned with students’ talents and interests.

“We know that every student develops and learns in unique ways; this is especially true for those with neurodiversity,” added Anderson in a prepared statement. “LiFT is leading the charge at not only recognizing this fact but also fostering a holistic environment where students can thrive today by embracing their unique abilities and learning styles in the best individual way to open doors for their successful future. I’m proud to play a small role in helping students in our area reach their full potential academically, intellectually and socially.”

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