Special Programs

At Central Rivers AEA, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational services to students in need, and our special programs stand at the forefront of our commitment. We proudly support students residing in youth shelter care and juvenile detention, aged 10 to 18, with access to high-quality education.

Our educational programming goes beyond the traditional classroom experience, as we understand that these remarkable children are navigating a challenging phase in their lives. These students have found themselves in residential care due to various circumstances and are in need of specialized support and guidance. Some students may be struggling with behavioral issues, emotional challenges, or a history of trauma. Others may have experienced instability in their family lives or lacked access to proper educational opportunities. These are the stories that inspire us to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

With a dedicated team of compassionate educators and support staff, we tailor our educational services to meet the unique needs of each student. We offer a personalized curriculum that combines academic excellence with authentic and work-based learning experiences. Our goal is not only to bridge educational gaps but also to empower these resilient young individuals to regain their self-confidence, grow their self-awareness, and envision a brighter future.

Empowered

What is “Empowered?”

Empowered is a student-driven, authentic, work-based learning project that provides our students with opportunities to grow their employability skills and Universal Constructs, (critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, productivity and accountability skills) while in attendance at one of our special programs including youth shelter classrooms (Brookhaven), detention center classrooms (North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services & Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center) and River Hills School.

This Central Rivers AEA initiative provides students with authentic learning experiences through community partnerships. Check out two of our recent projects! 

Community Partnership with Aloha Pet Resort and Spa

Students in our program bake, package, and deliver dog treats to the Cedar Falls-based business for sale at their storefront.

It brings joy to my heart to watch the Empowered students succeed and grow as young entrepreneurs. They have helped us fulfill a need by making specialty dog treats for my business.

-Heather Robson, Owner of Aloha Pet Resort and Spa

Custom Apparel

Our students create, design, press, and deliver custom apparel based on client input.

The Empowered team did an amazing job of designing and printing t-shirts for our team. Knowing that we were supporting students in an authentic learning experience was gratifying! They were easy to work with and responsive when we wanted changes made to our design. We would highly recommend Empowered and will use them again!

-Rusti Sparks, CRAEA Special Education Consultant

Our main project goals are to bring authentic, work-based learning experiences to our students in the classroom setting while elevating and showcasing our contributions within our communities!

Our Sites

North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services (NIJDS) Classrooms

Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center (CIJDC) Classrooms

River Hills School