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MAVA Members,
A group of students at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School are working on community service projects to assist and reach out to members of the community with autism.
This effort is an initiative the GNBVT Chapter of the Massachusetts SkillsUSA.
MAVA is very proud of the students and their advisors participating in this special initiative.
David
A deeper empathy at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School
Mar 24, 2026
Mikayla Staples, Karisma Guillette, Skyy Ramos-Diaz. Source: Stacey Martin
As a part of the SkillsUSA organization, a group of students at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School are working on community service projects to assist and reach out to members of the community with autism.
Their first event was held on December 30th and was a “Frosty Family Sensory Event” with dancing, singing, painting, yoga, reading and more. This event was described as a success, with 100% of survey participants saying they would come again and that the event offered emotional regulation, and 90% saying they have continued similar activities at home.
Three students decided to continue the project after the initial December event; Mikayla Staples of Dartmouth, Skyy Ramos-Diaz and Karisma Guillette of New Bedford.
They are now competing in the Community Service event at SkillsUSA’s state conference, to raise autism awareness.
Their project is called "Belonging Beyond Differences," which is described as “…the beginning of a breakthrough at their school” by Maciel Pais, the executive director of operations.
They have been doing research that has deepened their understanding and empathy for the autistic community.
Pais wrote that the students hope to make the school a more welcoming place through their project, as well as creating a group to participate in the yearly Special Olympics hosted at the Dartmouth High School.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira