Summer program integrated academics and work

Thirty-five West Orange – Cove 21st Century Community Learning Center students attended the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and Powerzone Summer Celebration “Growing Our Own Destiny.” They received a $100 bonus, as well as a tee-shirt and MP3 player.

The event, held at the MCM Elegante’ Hotel Ballroom in Beaumont, recognized achievements of 500 students, aged 14 – 21, served by the program. Through summer placement, students worked at 127 employers throughout the Golden Triangle.

The students learned job skills such as interviewing, completing applications, dressing for success, and also customer service /telephone techniques at employers which included Anderson Elementary, Farmers Insurance, nursing homes, Lamar State College, Texas Southern University, University of Houston and SHAPE Cultural Center. 

Some students also served as mentors to younger students. Evander Guillory and Jeran King, both West Orange – Stark High School students, were two of six student speakers who shared how the summer experience helped improve their work force preparedness.

Workforce Solutions also recognized the WO-C 21st Century CLC program for their partnership with the program.

Deborah Mitchell, Director of the 21st Century said, “This was a great opportunity for our students. They earned money and participated in college and career readiness activities. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Orange Workforce Solutions staff for including us in this program.”

WOS Middle School and High School students, who qualified for Workforce Solutions, participated.