“You got this!”
This is what former Elevate Academy intern Jordan has to say to new participants in one of the newest programs offered by Bobby Dodd Institute. He says these words with his signature smile and unmatched positivity. These exact qualities did not go unnoticed when he first started as an intern and later became a production worker with HD Supply. “Jordan is one of the most naturally positive people I have ever met. On day two, he was already throwing fist bumps at everybody. The work that he did just spoke for itself. He earned the spot,” said Jeff Gardner, an HR Generalist at HD Supply.
Elevate Academy is a five-month internship for young adults with disabilities. Participants receive education, training, and ongoing on-the-job support to help them prepare for future employment. They are also paid for the work they do.
The comprehensiveness of the training was evident from the start. Angie, who works directly with Jordan, was instrumental during his adjustment period. She immediately noticed that he came to the job fully prepared and then some. He did not rely solely on his natural abilities. Instead, he dedicated himself to learning, which quickly led to additional responsibilities and opportunities to work on a variety of new projects.
Jordan’s confidence has grown exponentially ever since. So has his independence. Several days a week, he now takes Uber to work and enthusiastically shares that he enjoys meeting new drivers on his way to the HD Supply warehouse.
“He is the prime example of what Elevate Academy is all about. He came in fresh, looking to learn. He tried different internships, and one of them was HD Supply. The staff liked him immediately. He likes the environment; he had an amazing coach who helped him learn the job. I am so proud of him,” said Christine Raidford, program manager of Elevate Academy. She added that partnerships like the one with HD Supply made this success possible.
From the very beginning, HD Supply collaborated with BDI to find the best ways to support interns. From environmental accommodations to ensuring fair pay while protecting their benefits, the company paid attention to every detail. “They didn’t want to make a mistake, and that’s why we were here to help,” Christine noted.
HD Supply also appreciated the collaborative approach and the support it received throughout the program. The organization is committed to continuing its partnership with BDI to create more opportunities for future interns. “Bobby Dodd Institute is fully integrated within the business community and the Atlanta community in general. The level of communication and the level of training the interns had have been fantastic, and we would be happy to continue working with them,” said Jeff. He also has advice for employers who may be hesitant to hire people with disabilities, noting that every individual learns differently. In his view, this gives employers and staff an opportunity to embrace everyone’s unique talents and use those differences as an advantage.
In addition to HD Supply, employers including Piedmont Hospital, the Atlanta Braves Baseball Club, Milner Technologies, and Bobby Dodd Institute welcomed several interns this year. All participants received official job offers and were placed in positions that matched their skills and interests.
Jordan smiles as he remembers his time at Elevate Academy. For him, it was an opportunity to learn skills that will serve him throughout his life and adulthood. He wants to continue improving himself while building stability and sustainability. “I don’t know where I will be, but I want to keep learning,” Jordan said.
