Students of Young Adult Program Volunteer at Niles Pie

One year ago, Fremont Unified School District’s (FUSD) Young Adult Program (YAP) began a collaboration with Niles Pie for its students to participate in volunteer work. Since then, students have had the chance to assist staff, interact with customers and build real-world skills that will be beneficial when applying for jobs in the future.  

The YAP consists of students who have graduated from high school with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which allows qualifying special education students to remain in school until age 22. The curriculum involves learning job, independent living and social skills that will prepare them for adulthood. The collaboration with Niles Pie became the perfect opportunity to put these skills into practice.

“It all started because we went on a community outing to Niles Pie around Thanksgiving time,”  FUSD education specialist April Van Winkle explains. “The staff there are the most lovely human beings. We told them about our program and how we’re always looking for community partners willing to host our students to learn job skills, and they asked us if we’d be interested in putting our students there.” 

The collaboration came about organically and became an instant success for both Niles Pie Company staff and YAP students. Volunteering takes place during the school day and primarily consists of prep work. With pies being ordered throughout the year, especially during Pie Day or Thanksgiving season, students fold and assemble all the pie boxes and bags, as well as individually label them with the Niles Pie sticker logo. 

Students even receive a stipend check through a grant program provided by the program. Van Winkle says, “They do receive a bit of money for completing their job sites out in the community, so they get to practice earning money and seeing what that feels like.” 

Niles Pie Company owner Tricia McElroy, who acts as a supervisor, has witnessed firsthand how this volunteer experience has positively impacted the students. She says, “They’re learning how to adapt to being in a different setting and focus on professional tasks. They’re also practicing customer service. Since I say hello to everyone who enters the store, they’ve started saying hello to customers, too.” 

But work is not the only priority at Niles Pie Company. Dance breaks have become a common occurrence, too. Van Winkle explains, “The staff always has music blasting in the kitchen while they’re baking. My students love it so much that most of the time, the end of their shift turns into a dance party.” Dancing, or as McElroy calls it “getting the wiggles out,” is a great way to have fun before refocusing. 

YAP student Ishaan has been volunteering at Niles Pie Company for about a year. Through this collaboration, his professional skill set has strengthened and expanded. He shares, “I’ve learned communication, teamwork, time management and organization.” Having the opportunity to develop and harness these skills is vital for YAP students, who are preparing for their futures and professional aspirations.

When asked what his future dream job is now that he has established these skills, Ishaan says, “I’m really good at handling items now. Hopefully, I can stock items at a store like Grocery Outlet.”  

For YAP students, being able to have these partnerships means more than preparing for real-world work. It’s knowing that they can have a substantial role in their community. Van Winkle explains, “That’s why we seek out small businesses like Niles Pie Company, because they have a vested interest in this community. This collaboration provides our students with the opportunity to have connections and also feel like they’re contributing. Our program is always looking for local partners to host our students to learn job skills.”

McElroy’s personal support for this collaboration with YAP stems from her own time spent working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She shares, “I saw how lots of people in public treated them, and I didn’t like that. So, we’d take them on different excursions like bowling and mini golfing. I really enjoyed being out with the kids and wanted to show them that people can be nice and enjoy their company.” 

Building professional skills and self-confidence are key to helping YAP students prepare for their future. As long as the community continues to encourage and be open to such collaborations, YAP students can strengthen those key characteristics and look forward to bright, successful careers ahead of them.