Sanfilippo helps prepare Summit students for the workforce

ELGIN - COVID restrictions prevented Summit School's students from interning on-site at John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. this school year. It did not, however, prevent the company from continuing its partnership to help prepare students for the world of employment.

LaSalle Crosby, an HR generalist in Sanfilippo's corporate office in Elgin, teamed up with Summit School to provide a virtual, four-week intensive employment preparation seminar series for Summit's seniors. Crosby, who is also a part-time adjunct professor at Benedictine University, developed a four-week curriculum with meaningful, interactive opportunities for the students, the company said.

Summit School is a private, nonprofit therapeutic day program for children with learning differences from kindergarten through high school graduation. Students with learning disabilities, emotional and anxiety issues, or on the autism spectrum attend Summit School from more than 20 school districts throughout northern Illinois.

"This seminar not only provided an excellent foundation for our students as they prepare for the workforce, but it reinforced their sense of importance and value," said Jeannine Farwell, Summit's transition coordinator.