BIG BENNY (Ability Thrift) Visits Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence
Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence is proud to partner with Ability Thrift, a paid, mobile work-based learning program sponsored by AccessAbility of North Charleston, SC. This initiative is designed to empower students with disabilities by promoting independence, employment readiness, and hands-on training in a real-world production environment.
At the heart of this program is Big Benny, the specially equipped bus that brings the Ability Thrift experience directly to our campus. Big Benny will visit Ridgeland every Tuesday for nine weeks, from October through December 2025. Inside Big Benny, students engage in meaningful work-based learning activities using industry-standard technology and adaptable workstations.
Guided by dedicated job coaches, students develop essential skills such as:
- Professionalism and workplace etiquette
- Team collaboration and goal-setting
- Financial literacy and time management
- Product preparation, photography, online listings, packaging, and logistics
Currently, RSAE students from the classes of Ms. Woodberry-Murphy, Ms. Malkar, and Ms. Bradley are actively participating in this transformative program.
Support Our Students!
You can help support this initiative by purchasing items prepared by our students at AbilityThrift.org. The site features products created and packaged by students as part of their training. Ability Thrift also welcomes donations of gently used items, which help expand hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as website navigation, retail operations, and personalized customer service.
Together, we’re building confidence, pride, and a pathway to independence for our students.