Thomas A. Edison CTE High School in Queens has a gem of a program called the Edison Café.
At the Café, students with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to learn the how-to’s of hydroponic farming, cooking, food management and hygiene. The Café is part of the school-run “Academics, Career and Essential Skills” program.
After their graduation, a number of those students make their way into QCP’s own programs, particularly in the pre-vocational job training programs.
The relationship between Thomas Edison and QCP has existed for years, and has greatly benefited the students themselves, as well as the organizations. According to Andrea Scolavino, the Edison Assistant Principal for Instructional Support Services, “We have a great relationship with QCP, thanks to the work they do serving our students with disabilities as they transition from high school. Many of our students attend QCP programs in which they further their employability skills, build social relationships, and develop into productive members of society.”
Thanks to the help of programs like Edison Café, many QCP individuals are able to find long-term and full-time employment. Companies including Stop & Shop, Home Depot, and Resorts World Casino NYC, all employ QCP individuals, and the employees’ dedication, work-ethic, and punctuality are second-to-none.
We also want to thank the Thomas Edison students who participated in our March 3 Evening Of Fine Food (pictured above). Thank you for all you do for your fellow students, and for QCP.