Bridges Adult Transition Center
Lincolnwood, Illinois
The Bridges program services Niles Township High School District 219 students aged 18 to 21 with special needs who are transitioning from high school to adulthood. The program was previously housed in one of the school district’s existing high schools, and occupied only 2,700 square feet. Space issues continually created obstacles that limited students’ education and their experiences.
The vision of the educational program helped guide the district to acquire an existing warehouse and undertake an adaptive reuse project.
The new Bridges Adult Transition Center focuses on the young adult transition by educating these students about various life skills, leisure skills, and vocational skills through simulated lab settings and learning environments.
Among the learning spaces:
• Kitchen Lab
• Laundry Lab
• Warehouse/Assembly Lab
• Superstore Lab
• Office Lab
• Apartment Lab
• Café/Business Storefront Lab
• Custodial Lab
These lab settings train students to learn the skills to be used in jobs and provide authentic settings for students to practice independent living skills.
The labs are flexible and have enough space to eliminate physical barriers. They also create opportunities for community partners to engage and educate students.
Additional Information
Cost per Sq Ft
$200.00
Featured in
2021 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Vocational/Industrial Arts Areas
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