We’re excited to announce our new Career Readiness Academy! This program will provide low-income BVSD high school students with workforce readiness skills, training, and leadership development to help prepare them for post-secondary success.
10th and 11th grade students with an openness to learn, explore and share will be admitted into the first cohort, launching in January 2022. Priority is being given to students facing financial hardship.
Why we’re launching this program
The Career Readiness Academy workshops are designed to introduce and develop critical skills found essential yet lacking in job applicants. The sessions will be delivered in partnership with industry and community professionals who know firsthand how the application of these skills can lead to post-secondary success.
51% of the members of the Society for Human Resources believe education systems have done little or nothing to address the soft skills shortage.
What students will learn
The students will attend a series of professional development workshops focusing on key career readiness competencies that employers value, including: critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism and work ethic, and oral and written communications. Staff will also help students line up summer jobs that align with their interests and goals.
The students enrolled in the Career Readiness Academy will:
- gain knowledge about post-secondary options and possible paths
- gain knowledge of and experience with professional (soft) skills
- build self-confidence and self-knowledge
- gain real-world job experience
- earn valuable skills and a $250 stipend
One of the key focus areas of our work is college and career readiness. In addition to providing college scholarships, this new Career Readiness Academy will be a key initiative for helping students find success after graduation.
