Lake Zurich School District Launches New Young Adult Center

Pictured above: Charlie Sims, left, and Harrison Brodeur cut the ribbon to open the Lake Zurich Community Unit District 95 Young Adult Center. The two will use the services provided at the new center.

Lake Zurich schools and community leaders celebrated the launch of a new young adult center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 9, 2024. The center aims to provide much-needed services to students who have historically been underserved.

Illinois state school Superintendent Tony Sanders speaks to the crowd gathered for the opening.

The facility will officially open its doors in March. It will focus on three key areas of preparation: employment, education and independent living. Specifically, the center will offer programs tailored to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who are eligible for transition services after graduating from high school.

Previously, transition services for these students were integrated within the existing high school, but space constraints posed challenges. “Our staff had the hope that one day we would have a facility that would be here to support our students in the age group of 18 and 22,” said District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt. “They’re no longer high school students. They deserve their own space, their own opportunity to grow and learn into adulthood.”

During the ceremony, several students expressed anticipation for the programming offered at the center.

Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders commended the initiative saying, “The ability to have a center where our students can learn the life skills to be successful, to be independent and to get back to their communities is a great investment.”

During the ceremony, several students expressed anticipation for the programming offered at the center. They eagerly looked forward to learning life skills such as cooking, paying taxes, socialization and more in a supportive and dedicated space.

As the center prepares to open its doors, the Lake Zurich community stands ready to support and empower students as they transition into adulthood, fostering a brighter future for all.

FBG Facility Services has been proudly serving Lake Zurich Schools for over 10 years. “It is so rewarding to work with a school district that takes care of its community members,” says Scott Hess, District Director of FBG in Quad Cities. “Seeing so many community leaders back this effort is a testament to the quality people we serve here!”