Our national award-winning School-to-Career Project provides students with the individualized support they need to pursue and achieve their career and personal goals. We currently partner with ten public schools in order to help students transition successfully from education to employment.
Mentoring
We match students with adult and peer mentors who encourage the students to pursue their career plan. Mentors provide the encouragement, modeling and challenge that our students need to succeed.
Skill Testing and Training
Every student completes two weeks of basic skill testing in areas like money handling, data entry and filing that helps them identify their current skills and effectively plan for future skill development. The results of these introductory tests help us shape the class schedule and on-the-job training sessions so that they reflect each student’s skill level and interest. Throughout each session students also participate in career competency classes that focus on developing the time management, listening and teamwork skills that are so essential to keeping a job.
On-the-Job Training and Job Shadowing
Students have many opportunities to explore and try out different jobs. Our hands-on work experiences at local businesses give students a chance to learn new skills and see those skills modeled by company employees. Our behind-the-scenes employment tours give students an opportunity to evaluate different work environments for compatibility and style. Hands-on job training and employment tours take place at companies like Bank of America, The Clarks Companies, N.A., Citizens Bank, Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Sheraton Hotels, New England Coffee.
Clear Paths to Future Success
After graduation the School-to-Career staff reports on the student’s employment strengths and career interests. Graduates are also offered additional supports they might need - such as internship opportunities, career placement services or in-depth career assessments – in order to achieve their career and personal goals.
