In September 2021, EdVenture Charter School partnered with the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County to give students a glimpse into the real-world experience of the waste and recycling industry. With about 10 students in each of the four tour groups lasting about 30 minutes apiece, the SWA gave presentations provided by Catie Sprague ,Education Specialist,, Erin McCormick ,Education Specialist, and Arora Ortiz ,Education Team Presenter, on how they manage the 2 million tons of waste county residents produce each year. The students learned how the combustion of garbage can be used to generate renewable energy and how recycling right helps preserve natural resources and maximizes the space in the county’s landfill. They also discovered that the SWA employs over 400 people in a variety of careers. Employees at the SWA have wide educational backgrounds depending on their role, from equipment operator (which requires a minimum of an 8th grade education and previous heavy equipment experience), to the Director of Utilities and Facilities Operations, which requires an Engineering degree and specialized experience. Potential applicants to the SWA can find a range of positions in both professional and trade categories at many different skill levels.

EdVenture is a not-for-profit public charter high school/Palm Beach County School District Choice school that serves students who are identified as eligible for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students between the ages of 14 to 22 who require more support than what may be available in their district assigned schools. Their mission is to create and operate an innovative educational program that cultivates a nurturing environment. Their school-to-work focus prepares young adults for the world by equipping them with the academic, vocational and social skills they need to become responsible and productive citizens. EdVenture was established in 1988 in response to a request from the Palm Beach County School District to better support ESE students who were falling through the cracks. Their “boutique model” puts an emphasis on relationships among students, teachers, parents and school administrators. The tightly knit community provides more personalized attention through smaller classes to address individual needs proactively.

Amanda Bicich-Murzynski, Director of Operations for the school, said, “Part of my job is to foster community partnerships and provide exposure to and disseminate information related to different career opportunities for students at the school who all have post-secondary goals that they are working toward. Since the waste management industry has so many different types of employment opportunities, each of which require different experience, training and educational requirements to be considered for employment, this seemed like a natural yet unconventional industry to partner with and introduce the students to. Since the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County has so many employment opportunities and departments, including education, attending a virtual setting while assisting students in reaching their post-secondary goals seemed like a great opportunity for the students.”

Murzynski praised the guides for being extremely knowledgeable and keeping the students engaged throughout the presentations stating, “the guides were friendly, engaging, and seemed to genuinely care about providing their services to our students!”

EdVenture strives to provide as many quality educational, vocational and transition-related experiences for our students as possible.EdVenture is now enrolling with only a few spots remaining open.

For more information on the school, call (561)582-1454 or visit www.edventurecharter.org.

Sponsor