A small grant is making a big impact for students with special needs in the Coachella Valley

At Desert Hot Springs High School, students in the Adult Transition Program are gaining real-world job and life skills thanks to new kitchen equipment funded by a $250 grant from an anonymous donor.

Inside the classroom, learning goes far beyond textbooks. The program focuses on preparing students for independent living and employment, and the new equipment allows them to practice hands-on skills like cooking, teamwork, and responsibility.

Special education teacher Kent Jackson says the idea was simple: give students an engaging, practical project that mirrors real-life work. Baking dog treats and selling them during the holidays turned into the perfect opportunity.

Students worked together to measure ingredients, follow directions, package products, and fill customer orders — all while building confidence and communication skills.

One recent dog treat order proved especially meaningful, showing just how capable the students are when given the right tools and support.

But the project isn’t just about earning money. The funds raised are also being used to reward the students with a leisure trip into the community, where they’ll enjoy a movie outing to see Zootopia.

For these students, a simple holiday project has become much more — a chance to grow, connect, and take important steps toward a more independent future.

If you are interested in ordering, you can email Kent Jackson, at kjackson@psusd.us. A small bag of treats is $5 and a large bag is $10, and come in either peanut butter or cheese flavor.