Students Gain Practical Skills in Crossroads Workforce Program
Students in the Crossroads Workforce Readiness Program are acquiring essential life skills through hands-on activities such as harvesting crops and using power tools. This nonprofit initiative, located at 833 15th Ave., Longmont, aims to support middle and high school students, particularly those who are homeschooled or have faced challenges in traditional school settings.
This semester, the program has expanded its offerings to include courses in carpentry, automotive maintenance, and financial literacy. The popular Landscape and Gardening class, which began last year, continues to grow, allowing students to engage directly with nature and learn about sustainable practices. Other subjects available in the program encompass film studies, public speaking, Spanish, physical education, and art.
According to Barb Bulthuis, executive director of Crossroads School, the program prioritizes future planning for its students. “We give them not just workforce skills but also life skills,” she stated, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken by the program.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities in Carpentry and Gardening
Students enrolled in the Basic Carpentry class have been actively involved since classes started in August. Recently, they worked on building workbenches, gaining practical experience in using standard carpentry tools and reading blueprints.
Teodoro Carbajal, who has over ten years of experience in carpentry, teaches the Basic Carpentry course. He noted that while some students have prior experience with carpentry projects at home, for others, this is their first encounter with power tools. “For some, it’s their first time using power tools,” Carbajal explained, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering new skills.
Junior Kylin Lay is taking both Basic Carpentry and the newly introduced Basic Automotive and Repair class. She expressed her enthusiasm for the hands-on learning approach. “I like building and doing things with my hands,” Lay remarked, adding that the courses are empowering her to become more self-sufficient.
The Landscape and Gardening class is flourishing as students learn to cultivate various plants. With the fall harvest underway, students have been busy planting seeds and harvesting tomatoes, bell peppers, and basil.
Newcomer Clarissa Alfaro, age 16, shared her revelations from the class, stating, “I didn’t know that different plants have different needs. I thought all plants just needed water and sun.” Her experience reflects the educational growth fostered by the program.
Community Engagement Through Gardening
The produce grown in the program’s garden not only teaches students about agriculture but also promotes community sharing. Linda Danley, the Landscape and Gardening teacher, explained that the fruits and vegetables harvested are distributed to fellow students and staff. Some of the produce is used in cooking projects, including fresh salsa, which was one of the first culinary activities undertaken by the class.
“I wanted to teach the students how generous gardeners are,” Danley noted. “By week three, I realized I didn’t need to teach them that. As soon as they had salsa, they wanted to share it.”
The Crossroads Workforce Readiness Program continues to provide valuable skills and lessons that prepare students for their futures, equipping them with both practical knowledge and a sense of community. Through engaging activities and supportive instruction, participants are gaining confidence and independence in various life skills.
