AmeriCorps VISTA’s Post

🛣️ Sharing the journey: Leah Perri on resilience and grit (in career change). ✨ Leah, a Summer 2024 apprenticeship graduate, shares their inspiring journey from journalism to tech, highlighting their experiences in various fields and the pivotal moments that led them to pursue a career in software development. They discuss the importance of curiosity, resilience, and mentorship in navigating the job search as a career changer, emphasizing the value of apprenticeships and collaborative projects in building skills and confidence. Leah's story is a motivational guide for those considering a similar path in the tech industry. 🛣 Leah transitioned from journalism to tech through curiosity and resilience. 🤝 Mentorship played a crucial role in Leah's career change. 🚀 The Build Carolina apprenticeship provided hands-on learning and support. 🤩 Career changers bring unique perspectives and skills to tech roles. 🛠 Collaborative projects can enhance learning and accountability. 🏆 Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a difference. Watch the whole conversation on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eBFfe3Si

It's that time of year again and Giving Tuesday is right around the corner. I'll be fundraising for America Needs You and first generation college students. ANY is an impactful program that provides first generation college students with professional development and mentorship to securing internships and their first job out of college. Please join me in donating what you can to help these ambitious students and support economic mobility. About America Needs You ANY provides a structured career development curriculum, one-on-one mentorship from talented young professionals and access to extensive professional networks. At a time when only 21% of low-income, first-generation college students graduate from college, students served by ANY achieve outstanding results: 96% of Fellow alumni graduate within six years of enrollment, 87% of Fellows gain hands-on experience in career-trajectory internships or projects, and 82% of Fellow alumni are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating.   Learn more about America Needs You at www.americaneedsyou.org https://lnkd.in/gqxTQwUB

Creating a Solid Foundation for Community Development with Community Outreach Canada 🍁💪 Did you know? Our partnership with Community Outreach Canada extends beyond internships. Valerie Alphonso, Founder and Executive Director, highlights how projects like Volunteer Expos and Design Jams have paved the way for Centennial College interns to become valued full-time team members who make a lasting impact in the community. Read Valerie’s full success story here🔗https://ow.ly/9nLQ50TRGO8 #GetReadyToPartner #SuccessStories #AcademiaIndustry #CommunityDevelopment

All-In Cincinnati is actively executing our 5-year strategic plan, currently, 90% complete, focusing on the PAYING aspect as a crucial part of our youth advocacy efforts mentioned in the March City Council Meeting. This push for paid internships and apprenticeship programs is in the #economicmobility strategies outlined in our plan. We aim to provide young Black girls in Hamilton County with the necessary resources for their growth and success. Our Immediate Goal: We’re actively seeking partnerships with local community organizations and business owners who offer paid internships and apprenticeship programs. Our focus is on creating tangible opportunities that not only provide financial support but also nurture the potential and aspirations of our young Black girls. This step is vital for the practical execution of our #Paying principle, a fundamental component of our youth advocacy policy. 👉🏾 www.bit.ly/payingouryouth In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the themes of #Pride and #Purpose, exploring how these elements, alongside #Paying, form a comprehensive strategy to uplift and support the next generation. Join us as we continue this journey, fostering a supportive network that champions the success of young Black girls in Hamilton County. Let’s unite to make a significant impact. With over 90 participants at our March Coalition Meeting, we’re energized to expand our circle of collaboration. For organizations eager to join us or learn more about our youth advocacy initiatives, we encourage you to connect through our questionnaire. Together, we can create a brighter future for young Black women anchored in racial equity, and comprehensive support. - Iris Roley #paidinternship #apprenticeships #payingouryouth #investinouryouth #collaboration #partnership #communityengagement #cincinnaticityhall #allincincinnati

Good morning, UT friends and alumni! Jamie and I are thrilled to share news about an endowment we recently established with the UT Foundation, called the Ely Public Service Experience Fund. This fund will support internships and career exploration opportunities in public service for students on the autism spectrum who aspire to serve their communities. Research highlights a significant gap in the number of autistic individuals entering public service careers compared to their neurotypical peers, often due to limited work-study programs and internships that can open doors to these fields. Our goal is to bridge that gap by enabling students on the spectrum to gain hands-on experience through fully immersed internships at agencies within the Institute for Public Service (IPS). IPS offers an ideal setting to cultivate future leaders in public service, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to serve and be served. If you’re interested in supporting this initiative, please visit: giving.tennessee.edu/ely Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Meet Mary, our Program Director in OKC 😎 Mary works with the most with JA programs in our Work & Career Readiness pathways, like JA Inspire, JA Workplace Internships, and JA Job Shadows! She is all about preparing Oklahoma's future workforce! ⭐ What's the #onething you wish you had learned in school but didn't? "One thing I wish I had learned, there is a whole world of career opportunities out there. When I was a kid, my view of careers was limited to what I saw the adults doing around me. For example, doctors, post office workers, Southwestern Bell employees, etc. Successful careers, but I had no idea the amount of careers and the different pathways that can be taken. Job Shadows and internships would have made a huge influence in my life." Are you interested in participating in JA Inspire, where 8th graders learn more about career industries and future opportunities? 👷 💼 Sign your business or organization up at https://lnkd.in/g55nbHX5 #CareerReadiness #JAInspire #BackToSchool

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the opportunities and experiences that shape our lives. This year, I’m especially grateful for being a part of the St. Charles County CAPS Program. The program has not only given me the chance to explore and discover what I truly want to do with my life, but it’s also helped me take important steps toward making those aspirations a reality. Through hands-on internships, I’m gaining real-world experience that will set me apart from other students as I begin my career journey. What’s been even more rewarding is the personal growth I’ve experienced. The CAPS program has helped me gain clarity about my strengths, challenges, and everything in between. It's given me a deeper understanding of who I am—both professionally and personally—and has provided me with tools to build upon as I continue to develop. I'm also incredibly grateful for the amazing people I’ve met along the way—mentors, peers, and friends—who have supported me and made this journey even more meaningful. The connections I’ve made here will stay with me long after the program ends. This season, I’m reflecting on all the ways this program has opened doors and shaped my future. Looking forward to what lies ahead and thankful for everything I’ve learned so far. #CareerJourney #CAPSProgram #Thanksgiving #Thankful #Reflection #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureLeaders #WorkExperience #HandsOnLearning #Gratitude #FutureReady #BuildingConnections #TechCareers

Barrow Wise Consulting, LLC recently attended the InnovateED event hosted by the Universities at Shady Grove and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). Key Montgomery County leaders attended the event and focused on advancing education, workforce, and economic development together. During the event, we discussed some significant points, such as the decrease in higher education enrollment and the possibility that the Montgomery County workforce may not be able to fulfill the increasing number of jobs that will be available in the coming years. As a team, we contributed to the discussion on cultivating the technical skills needed for our future workforce. We also discussed ways to give enriching experiences to K-12 students and internships to higher education students to help them acquire the necessary skills for their future careers. As a longstanding member of the Montgomery County community, we are committed to supporting this initiative in producing a qualified, high-performing workforce for upcoming opportunities. By working together, we can create a brighter future for our community. #InnovateED #MontgomeryCounty #WorkforceDevelopment #Education #EconomicDevelopment #BarrowWise #Trueconsulting

🎉 Career Ready Allegheny is Here! 🎉 Hear from Mayada Christensen, Senior Managing Director of Programs at Partner4Work, as she shares how Career Ready Allegheny—in partnership with Remake Learning, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, and the Consortium for Public Education—is connecting educators, students, and employers across Allegheny County to real-world work-based learning opportunities like job shadows, internships, and more. 🌟 Whether you're an employer ready to build your future workforce or an educator seeking to create meaningful career pathways for students, Career Ready Allegheny is your one-stop shop! Explore the platform now at CareerReadyAllegheny.org and start building connections that matter! 💼🌱 #CareerReadyAllegheny #WorkBasedLearning #FutureWorkforce #EducationInnovation #CommunityImpact

The Concept This all-age internship program would allow citizens aged 16 and above to contribute to government operations by participating in volunteer-based internships tailored to their skills, passions, and expertise. It would provide short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (up to 1 year) opportunities in various fields such as public health, environmental conservation, education, infrastructure, and technology. Participants would undergo an initial assessment to identify where their strengths and passions align with national and local needs. In return, they would gain real-world experience, mentorship, and certifications while contributing to their communities and the greater public good. Key Benefits Inclusivity and Lifelong Learning: This program invites people of all ages—students, professionals, and retirees—to participate, fostering inclusivity and lifelong engagement in civic life. Transparency and Civic Trust: By opening up the inner workings of government to citizen involvement, the program would enhance public understanding and trust in government operations. Cost Efficiency: With proper training and oversight, this initiative could reduce labor costs while addressing gaps in workforce needs, creating a win-win for both the government and participants. Community Engagement: The program strengthens the bond between citizens and their government, promoting a sense of ownership and pride in civic contributions. Publicity and National Appeal: This initiative aligns with the growing national emphasis on transparency, community, and workforce development. It would generate positive publicity and position the department as a pioneer in innovative governance. #CivicInnovation #CommunityEngagement #InclusiveLeadership #LifelongLearning #GovernmentReform