Olive – The Learning School Bus

Last Spring, we received a special request to take on a challenging adventure. Julie Jaworski, a retired public-school teacher wanted to find a way to teach and help students, without feeling the confinement of the public-school system. After a lot of thinking, she decided to start a non-profit organization called Mrs. J’s Place, Inc. It would require transforming a bus into a mobile learning center.

The goal of Mrs. J’s Place “is to transform this bus into a mobile learning center, reaching into neighborhoods where students need help with homework, tutoring, counseling or the fundamentals of learning, yet are not able to afford such services. And, to teach in a way that it is exciting and brings learning to life” (Julie Jaworski). Julie searched and searched…then finally found the perfect bus and named it Olive. Previously, Olive’s main job was to transport many children back and forth from school. However, Olive would now have the important job of acting as a learning center for children all around.

School Bus Retrofit

This required Olive to undergo a major transformation! Olive was dropped off at Coachcrafters and the long road of work began for the school bus retrofit. First, it received a general inspection to make sure all mechanical and electrical functions were up to date. Olive received an exterior paint change from a school bus yellow to a beautiful white. The interior received a transit bamboo wooden flooring, LED lighting and a nice cold A/C for those hot summer days. Julie then accessorized the interior with furniture and other magical learning items.

Coachcrafters is honored to be part of such a special endeavor for our community. All children should have access to a top-level education. We wish you the best Julie! Thank you for taking the lead in making a positive impact on our world.