BVA to vote on PAES program

It enables students in the district to learn valuable work skills.

The Belle Vernon Area school board is expected to vote on extending its Practical Assessment Exploration System program contract at today’s meeting.

The contract is between the district and the nonprofit Life’sWork in Monessen, which has been in effect for years. The PAES program allows BVA students to learn work skills.

“Life’sWork and BVASD desire to establish a relationship with the goal of preparing students to transition from the world of academia to the world of work, through the use of the resources of the BVASD PAES Lab and the assessment, training and development services provided by Life’sWork of Western PA,” reads the agreement between BVA and Life’sWork.

The agreement began Sept. 17 and continues until June 6, 2025. The district is responsible for providing transportation to Monessen for students and bringing them back to their schools.

The district will pay $1,665 per student per nine weeks so they can use the lab in Monessen.

The PAES lab was formerly an in-house program in the district, but it was transferred to Life’s Work in Monessen. School board members previously mentioned they were going to work to bring back PAES as an inhouse program.

Life’sWork will be responsible for providing all job coaches and the full range of youth transition services that are included. The school district is expected to help the nonprofit pick up certain equipment needed for the program. Life’sWork will be responsible for replacing or updating any equipment.

Life’sWork also provides other services for the Mon Valley.

At its facility in Monessen, staff members provide adult services aimed at helping people with disabilities get ready to overcome any barriers to employment.

They also have a recovery employment support program for people trying to overcome substance use.

To contact Life’sWork, email lpatterson@lifesworkwpa.org or call 724-684-3630.