At ISSA, it’s always great to learn about a fellow ISSA member of the cleaning community who is doing something truly special to bring about positive change.

On the episode of Straight Talk! Deb Faust, an ISSA member and a custodial supervisor at MSD of Decatur Township, a public school district in Indianapolis, discusses her involvement with its student custodial program and the transformative effects it’s been having in students’ lives.

Hayden Hughey and Cecil McLin, two high school students participating in the program, also share in the video what they are gaining from their involvement, including the opportunity to make and save money, gain work experience, and begin planning for their future.

Not everyone can get into the program. According to Faust, the students need to present letters from three teachers as references in order to enter the program and then are expected to keep their grades up while working. “We expect them to be role models and good citizens in school,” she emphasized during the interview, noting that the program is based on “good students and helping the community as well.”

“We are all very ‘Decatur proud’ to have the students that we have, because they just do an excellent job,” she continued.

To learn more about Faust and how the custodial program she manages helps students gain skills both for future jobs and for life, check out the video and podcast below.