"Our work with the Food Shelf has become an important part of both our Work-Based Learning and Bear Buddies programs, as it develops connections not just between the students, but between the school and important community organizations.
This volunteer opportunity underscores the importance of service while also giving students an experience that can serve as a building block as they explore employment options.”
- Michael McGarthwaite, Work-Based Learning Coordinator and Bear Buddies Staff Advisor
Students in the Work-Based Learning Program at White Bear Lake Area High School are taking part in monthly volunteer shifts at the White Bear Area Food Shelf. WBLAHS News
Work-Based Learning
The Work-Based Learning Program at White Bear Lake Area High School provides direct services and support designed to strengthen the employment skills of students receiving special education services. Students work at a variety of area businesses under the direction of a Job Coach in both paid and unpaid roles, in addition to taking part in classes and activities on site to further prepare them to enter the world of work. In the fall of 2024, the Work-Based Learning Program established a partnership with the White Bear Area Food Shelf that created a monthly sorting shift for students at the Food Shelf warehouse. At the same time, the program welcomed peer volunteers from the newly-formed Bear Buddies group to support students in their work.
Bear Buddies formed at White Bear Lake Area High School during the 2024-2025 school year as a group dedicated to "building friendships and bridging differences" between students in special and general education. Group members support students with disabilities by planning multiple monthly activities and events, working as Unified Partners (TAs) in special education classes, participating in Unified Music and PE classes, volunteering as Adapted Sports Managers, taking part in other extracurriculars alongside our students, and so much more.
At the WBAFS
At the White Bear Area Food Shelf, Work-Based Learning students have the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting that provides experience with transferable employment skills such as timeliness, organization, and teamwork. In addition, peers from Bear Buddies provide modeling and guidance that mirrors the kind of support that will help students be successful in their own paid, competitive employment in the future.
“The students and the coordinators that have participated in the program bring such a fun and eager energy into the food shelf! Their ability to collectively problem-solve how to organize donated food items within our warehouse storage system is impressive and remarkable to be a witness to.” Maddie Wilson, Mobile Market Coordinator
