Project Forward Students Prepare for the Holiday Market
by Olivia Appleton
Project Forward Retail students are getting involved in the holiday season at 4C’s. They will be holding a Holiday Market featuring many handmade items such as baked goods, wreaths, plants, and more. The profits from this market will be added to the Project Forward Scholarship fund. The students have been working hard to get ready for this with help from their instructors.
“The Project Forward students are working with their instructors to create and / or assemble items that relate to their concentration (area of study),” says Maura Hempstead, the Project Forward retail instructor. “For example, Landscaping and Facilities are making wreaths and potting plants; Culinary and Hospitality students are making baked goods, and retail students, who also intern at the Seashore Cafe, are assembling hot chocolate reindeer packets. Retail students will be running the market including processing sales, providing customer service, and displaying products.”
Project Forward is a national program that allows students with intellectual disabilities to have hands-on experience with different fields to study. Events such as the Holiday Market give them experience working with many different moving parts.
“It is a great opportunity for Project Forward students to showcase the skills they have learned in the classroom and for all to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items,” says Hempstead.
The Holiday Market will take place in Grossman Commons at 4C’s on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a chance for all students and staff to get handmade gifts at affordable prices. All sales will be cash and check only.
“The students love seeing their creations displayed and their hard work pay off. The first year we hosted the market we had a great turn out and made over $900 toward the Project Forward scholarship. The students work tirelessly, and we are so proud to see them shine,” says Hempstead.
Retail Concentration students Colin Ledoux (left) and Andrew Hoffman. (Maura Hempstead)
Retail Concentration student, Marin Cosgrove (right) and Classroom Assistant, Sophia Goldstein. (Maura Hempstead)
Retail Concentration student, Marin Cosgrove (right) and Classroom Assistant, Sophia Goldstein. (Maura Hempstead)
Entrepreneurship student, Brenna Hughes. (Maura Hempstead)
(Maura Hempstead)
Categories: Featured, Around Campus