Group of young people standing behind a table filled with canned goods, boxed cereals, and jars of peanut butter in a classroom setting, some giving thumbs up.

Vocational Program

Preparing students for purpose, independence, and meaningful work

A classroom or therapy room with a large bulletin board titled 'Who am I?' and colorful notes attached. There is a brown couch with multicolored pillows, a wooden table with a lamp, a clock, and a pillow that reads 'We can do hard things.' Posters with inspirational messages are on the walls.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Purpose-Driven Preparation for Life Beyond the Classroom

At Southern Raised Learning, our Vocational Program is built on the belief that every student is uniquely created with purpose and potential. Our goal is not simply employment readiness, but life readiness -helping students understand who they are, how they learn, and how they can confidently contribute to the world around them.

“Every person is uniquely purposed to thrive.”

— Lisa Christopher, Vocational Program Director

Because of this belief, we encourage each student to thoughtfully explore the question “Who am I?” to embrace their strengths, acknowledging their challenges, and discovering the value of the in-between. At Southern Raised Learning, it is not enough to simply exist; we believe students are called to grow toward their intrinsic abilities and innate potential.

Confidence and trust are foundational pillars of our program. Students learn to appreciate their own differences as well as the differences in others, understanding that each individual brings something meaningful to the table.

A group of nine young people with a man standing behind them with his arms raised in an outdoor setting with trees showing fall foliage. The group is sitting on a concrete wall, and the scene appears to be on a university campus or park on a sunny day.
Flowchart outlining steps for transitioning age students into work-based learning through career speaker events, vocational counseling, student placement, and check-ins.

Programs Partnerships & Services

Our vocational programming is strengthened through partnerships with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and Pathful, allowing us to provide comprehensive Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), including:

  • Self-advocacy instruction

  • Job exploration counseling

  • Work-based learning experiences

  • Career Skills & Aptitude Assessments

  • Workplace readiness training

We also partner with Teem Academy, who serve our students through:

  • 1.5 hours per week of in-class vocational instruction

  • Two off-site days per month for hands-on training, workplace exposure, and educational tours

Class Focus: Building the Whole Person

Instruction is centered on both personal and social development, helping students build insight, resilience, and independence. Areas of focus include:

  • Personal adjustment and self-regulation

  • Social adjustment and interpersonal skills

  • Self-discovery: “Who am I?”

  • Personality and strengths exploration using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator construct

  • Cognitive and mindset strategies inspired by Daniel G. Amen, emphasizing healthy thought patterns and emotional regulation

A Typical Week in the Vocational Program

Each week blends classroom instruction, experiential learning, and real-world application:

  • Art & Culture Experience
    Students attend art classes or instructionals at a local art studio in Sharpsburg, exploring artistic styles, cultural expression, and creative careers. These experiences are integrated into academics, such as reading and math, through topics such as exchange rates, cost comparisons, and global living standards.

  • Campus Specials
    Students participate in music and physical education, supporting creativity, wellness, and collaboration.

  • Current Events & Life Skills
    We use News2You to stay informed and practice comprehension of real-world topics.

  • Character & Life Readiness
    Through Positive Action, students explore life’s big questions: identity, responsibility, and how to navigate adulthood with integrity and confidence.

Our Commitment

The SRL Vocational Program exists to help students discover who they are, develop confidence in their abilities, and prepare for meaningful participation in work, community, and life. We are committed to walking alongside each student as they grow—academically, socially, and personally.