Easter Seals Southwest Florida

On June 4 Easter Seals Southwest Florida’s Vocation Introduction and Preparation (VIP) Academy graduated 5 students. Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal spoke at the graduation and encouraged the graduates to “be lifelong learners, stretch higher, and be a good citizen and build strong relations.” The VIP Academy is a specialized program for Manatee County students aged 14-22 who are eligible for Exceptional Student services.

The goal of the academy is to help students build the personal, interpersonal, professional, vocational and occupational skills needed to enter the workforce and gain independence and self –sufficiency.