Pioneer Pathfinder Academy is an organization at Stillwater High School focused on helping graduated students with disabilities transition from high school into the real world.
The organization was founded eight years ago by a mother who wanted more opportunities for her child. She recognized that there were little to no options for students after high school and wanted to create a program that would help them find a life outside of school.
Pioneer Pathfinder Academy teacher Ms. Mitchell said she wanted to be a part of the program because of her love for the idea of the organization, which supports young adults aged 18-22.
“I love helping [the students] improve and watching them grow,” Mitchell said.
Stillwater High School’s main focus is helping the students gain the skills they need to use when living an independent life. According to its Facebook page, the Pathfinder Academy provides opportunities and exposure for their interns in four areas: independent living, community participation, trade skills and social-emotional awareness.
In the classroom, students are taught skills through activities, such as making snacks like pretzels, s’more balls and even creating holiday-themed items, like rugs and wreaths.
These activities not only teach the students how to prepare food but also help them build the idea of success and doing things by themselves, Mitchell said.
Whether the students are going to local groceries stores to shop for ingredients, learning cooking skills in the kitchen, or working at their jobs in the community, Pioneer Pathfinder Academy students are learning to overcome challenges and adapt to the world around them.