Last school year, a group of Vocational Skills Program (VSP) student interns from Special School District (SSD) gained career skills through on-the-job learning at Brilliant Angels Academy, an early childhood center in North St. Louis County, which is run by Refuge and Restoration.

Brilliant Angels Academy believes that part of its responsibility as a workplace is to treat student interns with care and respect, and to believe in their potential. Center Director Peaches Lott said, “Interns are valued for their skill sets, and they kind of beam with pride when they’re able to work doing what they enjoy.” Last year, students were given meaningful tasks. They helped greet families at the front desk, assisted with cooking for the young children, supported classroom activities, and undertook small but meaningful projects.

Interns rose to meet expectations and grew in many ways during their time at the early childhood center. Several students developed and demonstrated their ability to take initiative while working. For example, one intern spotted a messy outdoor area and asked if he could clean it up, and another grew confident as she greeted parents and reintroduced herself when needed. Throughout their internship, they also learned about everyday workplace habits such as maintaining good hygiene, working as a team, and knowing when to put their phone away. By the end of their time at the center, students were practicing these skills regularly and also began reminding each other of workplace habits, building a culture of responsibility and support.

For Refuge and Restoration, the partnership with SSD is more than just a one-time commitment. It’s part of a larger vision. The early childhood center is one piece of a revitalized plaza that includes a community pharmacy, job training center, shared office space, and more. The Refuge and Restoration Board aims to expand internship opportunities. Lott explained, “The big picture of this partnership is that we would have interns throughout the entire Plaza, working on whatever skills they need and possibly gaining employment here.”

At the heart of this collaboration is something powerful, fostering belonging. Our interns are learning what it means to be seen, supported, and trusted in the workplace, and that experience will stay with them long after their internship ends. Refuge and Restoration’s commitment to building belonging reflects SSD’s core values of equity and collaboration, reminding us that when students feel connected and valued, they grow and contribute to their communities.