Program News 2006
On the Job Learning
As we approach the end of the first school year since launching Learning To Work (see "Preparing for Jobs and Careers"), all signs indicate that the initiative has been highly successful so far, and will continue to be an extremely valuable tool in our work with disconnected older adolescents. Learning To Work provides job-readiness workshops and stipended internships to students of South Brooklyn Community High School, our model public high school for former dropouts, and our two Brooklyn Young Adult Borough Centers (Y.A.B.C's), which provide specialized services to students over seventeen who require five or more years to graduate from high school. The students first participate in a series of classes and workshops which cover such job-readiness topics as appropriate work behavior, interviewing skills, money management, resume creation, and assessing their skills and interests to help determine potential work areas. After passing a final mock interview, they are placed in internships, while continuing to attend weekly seminars with our job and career specialists.
"This is a lot better than being a cashier," says Lyndsey Rosario, a recent graduate of the Lincoln High School Y.A.B.C., who interned through Learning To Work at Plays For Living, and now works full-time for the non-profit organization, which develops and performs social-issue based dramas. "It has really helped me to get a focus on what I want to do and determine what I want to study in college," continued Rosario, who will be studying English at Brooklyn College in the fall. She is one of several participants who have been hired by their internship sites following graduation. Many of the sites also make an effort to provide training, including having the interns sit in on meetings and speak with various employees about their jobs. Cece Pinckney of the NYC Parks Department has overseen the placement of many of our young people, and she encourages them to try various different jobs available at Brooklyn's recreation centers, which include cooking, reception and other administrative work, coaching, and working at after school programs. "I let them know they're there to learn, to gain experience they can put on a resume, and if that isn't happening they should call me. I want them to gain experience." The Parks Department has benefited as well, Pickeney adds, "Center managers call and ask if they can keep the interns longer, I've never gotten a complaint. The staff wants to give them summer jobs. It's a really good program."
Other job sites for the approximately 75 young people who have been placed in internships include Kings County Hospital, Empire State Coalition, the New York Aquarium and Virgin Records. A partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has also opened up placements in smaller businesses such as real estate offices, accounting firms and bed and breakfasts. These types of businesses are harder for our staff to connect with than the larger places which regularly use many volunteers. "The Chamber can vouch for us to the business, and for the business to us," explains Joy Goldsmith, the Good Shepherd Division Director who oversees the initiative.
If you are interested in working with us on this initiative by placing an intern, please click here for more information, or contact Joy Goldsmith at 718-965-3313, extension 431, or Joy_Goldsmith@goodshepherds.org.
May 17, 2006
