LOS ANGELES — At a familiar-looking check stand featuring red logos, checkout baskets and beige countertops, Chloe McCain, who was born with Down syndrome, learned new skills ringing up products and handling money in a retail setting.

“It is hard to count money. It’s really confusing,” McCain said.

She’s one of 850 adult learners and students that have utilized the Riverside Unified School District’s Career Skills Lab where vocational skills are taught. Recently, the district’s Workability program in partnership with CVS Health renovated an area on campus to look like an actual CVS store.

Inside, students get to learn how to stock shelves, provide customer service and more. McCain said the skills she’s refining are inspiring her to give back to her family.

“I want to pay for the groceries, have food at home,” she said.

Laura Williams is a teacher with the district, teaching students in the Career Skills Lab in two-to-three week cycles. She’s seen students come out of the program with work experience and learn their strengths and weaknesses to help them build confidence in their skills, Williams said. About 23% of those with a disability worked in 2022, compared to about 68% of individuals who worked without a disability, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We want to see more of our students that leave the district ready to work. We want to see students with employment, with jobs and this is a first step for them,” she said. “CVS not only provided us with all the material in the space, but they also have connected us with local managers.”

Students at the end of the program also receive mock interviews from CVS managers, she said. For McCain, her confidence is already shining through.

“I like to interact, I like talking to people and I definitely work hard,” she said.