On any given school day, Knapp School & Yeshiva students in Troye Evers’ transition program can be found working at a coffee shop, senior center, library or food pantry; shopping for groceries and preparing a meal together; filling out job applications and countless other forms; and learning to navigate bus and train schedules.

Each experience is designed to help students gain confidence, independence, and the practical tools they will need for life after school.

“The work Troye does to prepare our young people for life after they leave us is exceptional,” said Principal Dr. Diona Lewis, who asked Troye to head the endeavor when he joined the Knapp staff last May. “Troye has a strong background in transition and life skills programming. His experience was a perfect fit to what we were looking for and the program we are developing.”           

There are five students—aged 18-22—enrolled in the school’s new transition initiative, with two more expected to join soon. Students qualify for the program by choosing not to accept their graduation diplomas, allowing them to continue their education at Knapp through its vocational postsecondary pathway.

Under Troye’s direction, each day is devoted to learning or practicing specific life skills.

Students write a shopping list and select food to make their own lunches, all while staying within a budget: they can’t spend more than the set amount on their prepaid debit cards each week. They also shop for a family meal, such as lasagna or enchiladas, that they prepare as a group and portion into lunches for later.

Troye teaches the importance of nutrition, encourages students to try new foods, and ensures they clean up after themselves in the school’s Life Skills room.

Another part of the transition curriculum introduces students to all aspects of the workplace, from employee handbooks, paychecks and taxes to various forms of transportation to get them to and from work.

Troye works closely with staff from the JCFS Duman Opportunity Center to help students gain actual work experience at different locations around the community, including CJE SeniorLife and Will’s Place. Students receive payment for their work on their personal debit cards.

Students also strengthen their resumes by volunteering at the Skokie Public Library and local food pantries.

Back in the classroom, they tackle practical life tasks, such as filling out every conceivable form they might encounter in their lifetime—from credit card applications to TV warranties. They also learn how to read bus maps and train schedules, as well as prepare for their driver’s education course.

Troye sees evidence that what he’s teaching his students is resonating with them. For example, over Thanksgiving break Troye was notified that the funds from one student’s debit card account had been transferred to the main account and the card had been locked. Then he received a text from the student explaining that he had lost his card. Troye said he was impressed that the student had followed the proper protocol to secure his account once he realized his card was missing.

“Little things like that, they keep on showing me that they’re grasping knowledge of what they learn,” he said.

He also takes pride in knowing that everything he’s teaching the students has real-world value.

“There’s meaning behind everything,” Troye said. “Everything that I’m doing is something they’re going to use now and in the future.”