Making A Splash with Special Olympics
For the past ten years, SkillSource Learning Center has been transforming skills-based education through a six-week, 90-hour Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative. So much more than textbooks and tests, PBL is about real-world experience, community engagement, and fostering a deep understanding of inclusivity.
Students dive headfirst into a comprehensive curriculum, completing activities focused on learning about disabilities, conducting in-depth research, participating in events, and ultimately sharing their own presentations showcasing their newfound knowledge.
The program is designed to immerse students in the community, providing them with invaluable opportunities to make a tangible difference. One of the highlights was assisting the City of Wenatchee Parks and Recreation Department with Valentine’s craft activities for the special needs community. This experience allowed students to connect directly with individuals, fostering empathy and understanding.
The core focus is in supporting the Special Olympics State Winter Games. Students play a crucial role in various aspects of the event, including assisting athletes on the slopes at Mission Ridge, seating teams at the Opening Ceremonies, and providing hands-on fun with a skee ball game they made from scratch for Olympic Town!
Students also participated in other community events, such as the Polar Plunge at Walla Walla Park, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local causes. A few students even made it into the Wenatchee World newspaper for their brave plunge! They also contributed to fundraising events for the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council, painting bowls and raising awareness for important community services.
Learning Through Doing
This opportunity is a testament to the power of project-based learning. By immersing students in real-world experiences, SkillSource not only fosters academic growth but also cultivates essential life skills such as empathy, teamwork, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills, and civic engagement.
Project-based learning has created a ripple effect of positive change, empowering students and strengthening the community. It’s a strong example of how education can transcend the classroom and make a lasting impact.
