CCIU graduates more than 900 students

More than 900 students from across Chester County graduated from schools with CCIU programs.

DOWNINGTOWN » More than 900 students from across Chester County graduated from the Child and Career Development Center (CCDC), Communities Helping Adolescents with Autism Make Progress Program (CHAAMP), the CCIU Learning Center and the three Technical College High School campuses.

Each of these programs is operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) on behalf of its 12-member school districts. Earlier this month, the students of the CCDC, Learning Center and CHAAMP program graduated together at the Child and Career Development Center in Coatesville. The diplomas were received by 13 CCDC students, 28 Learning Center students and three CHAAMP students.

The CCDC provides programs for autism support, emotional support, learning support, life skills support, and multiple disabilities support to K-12 students. At CCDC, most of the programs have a common goal of increasing skills and dexterity necessary for postgraduate living.

Walking across the stage that day, it was quite evident that the students were proud of their accomplishments. Principal Susan Mateka shared her pride for those accomplishments as well.

“The students have fought very hard for every bit of progress they have made,” Mateka said. “Not a single achievement has come easily and without perseverance.”

The CCIU Learning Center provides academic and vocational education programs to middle and high school students with special education needs. Similarly, Communities Helping Adolescents with Autism Make Progress (CHAAMP) provides a community-based instructional program to

SUBMITTED PHOTO Graduating seniors listen to Lauren McNair (Early Childhood Care & Education) deliver her senior reflection at the TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus graduation.