ANGOLA - The Steuben County Community Foundation has awarded another $20,000 grant to Easterseals RISE to support its Pre-Manufacturing Academy.

The academy is a 10-week program to help developmentally disabled individuals prepare for employment with local manufacturers. It’s also a partnership with the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation.

The foundation previously awarded Easterseals RISE an initial $20,000 grant to launch the program last year. The new round of funding will help the academy to grow this year.

Easterseals RISE assesses students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to determine their interests and skills. Following the assessment, interested students then have the opportunity to transition to the manufacturing academy.

Last year 12 students completed the academy, then continued into additional training at the EDC’s Manufacturing Academy. Easterseals RISE says all 12 are now working at a local business.

This year the goal is to train 18 students through the program.