The Peru Gazette

Lance Falcon tells the Peru Town Board about WEP’s

By John T. Ryan

WEP’s: A student link to the businesses and non-profits; a guided hands-on environment; a tool for the community with no academic or income restrictions. Those are just a few of the words Lance Falcon uses to describe WEP’s (Work Experience Program). Falcon and a small group of volunteers have been working for over 3 years to launch WEP’s. The program has received its Not-For Profit Incorporation from New York State. Falcon is the CEO, Peru Middle and High School Teacher James Testo is the President. Other board members include Rick Laurin, President of the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA), student Felica Duchene and Falcon’s wife Veronika.

Lance Falcon recognized the need for a work experience program while working as a volunteer farrier at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum. When students volunteered to assist with museum events two things stood out: they had great ideas and enthusiasm, but they needed training and confidence. He said, “We started an orientation program to teach the students to deal with the artifacts and the museum’s visitors. We got very good comments from the board members and we realized the great potential of the students.”

Falcon believes that WEP’s is a tool to build student confidence, respect and self-esteem while at the same time assisting local non-profits and businesses. The students will come up with project ideas, develop a project business plan including a budget and submit the plan to WEPs for review and approval. If a project has merit the students will be given a loan to conduct the event. Mentors will guide the students throughout the process. Falcon emphasized that student safety is WEP’s highest priority. All mentors will undergo background checks and will be properly trained.

James Testo has business experience as well as being a long-time teacher. He explained, “Students need help with their career choices. Employers want employees with work readiness skills. By participating in WEP’s, the students will be ready when they go to their first interview.”

Students, parents and the community members can learn more about the WEP’s program on Wednesday, April 15^th at 7 p.m. on the lower level of the Peru Town Hall. Lance Falcon can be reached at 534-0488 or lancefalcon@ymail.com