IU1 Empowerment School

IU1 Empowerment School| Grades 7-9

The IU1 Empowerment School provides a safe, structured, and relationship-centered learning environment where students in grades 7-9 with life skills and emotional support needs build job readiness, confidence, and career awareness to become confident, responsible, and productive members of their communities.

Rooted in the Empowerment Collaborative Initiative, the school is designed for students to gain real-world experience with local businesses, work experience in a thrift store, and academic and personal support in a professional setting

OUR 3 PRINCIPLES

1. Simulated Workplace Environments:

Collaborative learning teams give students meaningful roles and responsibilities while encouraging them to set goals and monitor their own growth. Shared decision-making is built into the process, helping students take ownership of their learning and contribute to a positive, inclusive classroom culture.

2. Authentic Learning and Assessment:

Project-based learning brings instruction to life through authentic assessment and locally grounded, student-driven projects. This place-based approach builds relevance, while a culture of inquiry supports ongoing professional growth and innovation among educators.

3. Career Mindsets:

Employer partnerships connect classroom learning to the real world, giving students guided career exploration and planning opportunities. By aligning learning with community needs and entrepreneurial interests, students gain purpose, direction, and a deeper understanding of future pathways.

Standards-Aligned Academic Instruction

As an Intermediate Unit 1 program, the Empowerment School delivers rigorous instruction aligned to Pennsylvania Academic Standards and Anchors while maintaining flexible scheduling that supports individual student needs. Core academic subjects include:

English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Health and Physical Education

Students are supported in meeting grade-level expectations, graduation requirements, and postsecondary readiness goals through personalized learning pathways and differentiated instruction.

Workforce Development and Retail Learning Experience

A defining feature of the Empowerment School is its integration of real-world workforce preparation into the daily learning experience. During afternoon sessions, students participate in:

Retail skill development and employability training
In-store job shadowing and supervised work-based learning
Hands-on opportunities to practice communication, responsibility, and customer service

These authentic learning experiences help students build confidence, develop career awareness, and prepare for successful transitions to employment, training programs, or continued education.

Flexible, Student-Centered Scheduling

The Empowerment School utilizes a flexible scheduling model that allows students to balance academic coursework, behavioral and emotional support, and workforce learning. This structure promotes engagement, reduces barriers to attendance, and supports steady academic and personal progress.

IU1 Program Benefits

As part of Intermediate Unit 1, students and families benefit from:

Pennsylvania-certified teachers and specialized staff
Research-based instructional practices and professional development
Access to IU1 programs, partnerships, and grant-funded initiatives
A collaborative team approach focused on the success of the whole child

Commitment to Student Empowerment

At the IU1 Empowerment School, education extends beyond the classroom. Through intentional behavioral support, social-emotional learning, academic rigor, and authentic workforce experiences, students are empowered to discover their strengths, meet academic standards, and build meaningful futures. The collaborative partnership among educators, families, and community organizations ensures that every learner is supported on a pathway toward independence, purpose, and long-term success.

Related Services

IU1 Empowerment School also has several additional services available for students who require them:

Speech/Language
Social Work
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Vision Support
Hearing Support
Assistive Technology
Orientation and Mobility
Full-time dedicated registered nurse

Facility

The resources at the IU1 Empowerment School are designed to meet students’ needs of all ages. Air-conditioned classrooms are equipped with readily available technology such as computers, SMART boards, and restrooms.

The facility includes workstation areas, a multipurpose room, physical education and health area, and retail thrift store for real-time experiences. All are available to students at the IU1 Empowerment School.