Students in the Craven Community College (Craven CC) Transitions Academy recently embarked on the unique community service project of baking dog biscuits. The treats, which were prepared in the Volt Center Kitchen, were donated to representatives of the Craven Pamlico Animal Services Center and Craven County Sheriff’s Department Animal Protective Services on Monday, Dec. 11.
The Transitions Academy, offered through Craven CC’s College & Career Readiness (CCR) department, provides adults with mild intellectual disabilities the opportunity to continue their education while preparing for the world of work or other appropriate post-secondary programs. This free two-year program increases math, reading, writing, technology, and soft skills while allowing students to explore career options and learn through real-world experiences. Some modules taught in this program include horticulture, government, health programs, childcare, carpentry, and food preparation/safety.
“This was a great learning experience that allowed students to gain important life skills while also giving back to the community,” said CCR Director Sandy Bayliss-Carr. “Our goal is to provide a combination of academic and real-world education to optimize their chance of becoming productive, successful employees and community members. The students were able to not only train in food preparation and safety, but also have the priceless experience of selflessly completing a task to benefit others.”
Students in the Transitions Academy have completed a community service project for the past several years. This year’s project incorporated the food preparation and safety portion of the program while also helping the students understand firsthand concepts of marketing and entrepreneurship. Led by Transitions Academy instructor Susan Mills, the 14 students started by researching and selecting a healthy dog treat recipe. Once in the Volt Kitchen, they measured and made their own dough, used bone-shaped cookie cutters, then baked and bagged each dog biscuit.
“Community service projects are part of the curriculum for the students in the Transitions Academy,” said Bayliss-Carr. “We have participated in Operation Christmas Child – Samaritan’s Purse in the past, as well as collecting canned goods for those in need during the holidays. The students have also planted bulbs and other flowers to beautify the campus as part of a service learning experience.”
The dog biscuit community service project was a hit with everyone involved. The Transitions Academy students—and undoubtedly the resident shelter dogs—look forward to continued baking projects and donations to area shelters.
“We had a great time at the Volt Center, and I am sure the dogs will be very happy when they get their treats,” said Transitions Academy student Eliza Paisley Ward. “Ms. Mills taught us many ways to be prepared safely in the kitchen while baking the treats, and we enjoyed the experience and can’t wait to do it again.”
In addition to the Transitions Academy, the CCR department has a variety of programs that specialize in improving adult literacy skills, earning a high school equivalency (GED®/HiSET®), completing a high school diploma, obtaining digital literacy skills, and learning English as a Second Language. Learn more at CravenCC.edu/CCR.
