Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones to Self-Sufficiency

Self-Assessment
It is important for adolescents to appreciate the value of their individual talents, skills and interests and understand how they relate to future career opportunities. At the Career Center for Youth, students complete computerized, personal inventory surveys similar to those used by professional career counselors.Through hands-on activities and group discussions that exercise the theory of multiple intelligence, participants learn there are many ways to be ‘smart’.

Career Exploration
There is a need for students to be aware of realistic career possibilities before they enter high school. Career Center students use hands-on activities, computer research, group instruction and professional guest speakers and field trips to discover previously unexplored career possibilities. Kids learn the educational and professional path to various careers and develop a Career Action Plan for a career of personal interest. The connection between education and career and life fulfillment is always emphasized.

Life Skills and Work Skills
Research shows employers are very concerned about a lack of interpersonal skills and work ethic among those entering the work force. Through hands-on demonstrations, role playing and team activities, students at the Career Center learn and polish important life and work skills. Responsibility, punctuality, conflict management, appropriate introductions and language, telephone and restaurant etiquette and teamwork are among the essential skills practiced at the Career Center for Youth. Incorporating these skills into everyday life will enhance employability as well as cooperation in the school, home and community.

Job Readiness
Youth who work part-time are better prepared for the demands of work life as adults. At the Career Center for Youth we prepare students for the youth employment experience. Students learn the basics of interviewing, completing job applications and resumes and finding and keeping a job as well as labor laws that apply to youth employment. The Red Cross babysitter course is offered to students interested in starting their own ‘kid business’ in babysitting.

Financial Literacy
Knowing how to manage the money they earn is a vital self-sufficiency skill for middle school students. We help youth plan for a life of financial fitness by teaching them how to prioritize goals, set a budget, balance a checkbook and avoid the pitfalls of debt.  Students learn the benefits of early savings and the basics of investing.

Public Service
At the Career Center for Youth, we feel that involvement in one’s community is key to life fulfillment. Students in our programs exercise their leadership skills by planning and participating in a public service project that benefits their school or community.