A Bensalem High School teacher has secured new funding to bridge the gap between classroom lessons and the local business community. Chelsea Root was recently named the first-ever recipient of the $1,000 NextUp Transition Program Scholarship, the district announced.
Mrs. Root, who works with the school’s OWLS Transition program, plans to use the grant to install 24-hour pick-up lockers on the high school campus. This upgrade is designed to make it easier for community members to support the student-led businesses she oversees.
The NextUp Team selected Mrs. Root’s proposal for its practical approach to vocational training. The OWLS Transition program helps students develop real-world job skills, and the new locker system addresses a key logistical hurdle: getting products into customers’ hands outside of school hours.
By installing secure pick-up lockers, the student-run business can serve a wider customer base in the Bensalem community. In their award letter, the NextUp Team praised the initiative as a “creative solution” that gives students authentic practice in organization, customer service, and workplace communication. They highlighted the project as a prime example of how transition programs can effectively prepare students for future employment.
Why It Matters to Bensalem
This isn’t just about a school project; it’s about inclusive economic preparation for local students. The OWLS program supports students with diverse learning needs, helping them transition into adulthood with viable job skills. For residents, the new locker system means you may soon be able to easily purchase goods created by these students, supporting local education while picking up quality items on your own schedule.
Source Information in this report was sourced from the Bensalem Township School District.
