From the community
Jr. Apprentice kicks off 2014-2015 year
On October 22, over 70 people came together at Bulkeley High School to kickoff the 2014-2015 Jr. Apprentice program. Jr. Apprentice, a program of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, promotes career readiness among local teens. 20 juniors at Bulkeley High School were selected to become “Jr. Apprentices”. These students take a weekly career readiness class and then are matched with a local employer in a 3-month hands-on work experience. Students will be hosted at the following Hartford workplaces: Excel Fitness, Hartford Food Systems, Connecticut Historical Society, Connecticut House Democrats, Connecticut Immigration and Refugee Coalition, Compass Youth Collaborative, Connecticut Health Foundation, Bank of America, State Farm, Malta House of Care Foundation, New England Assistive Technology Resource and Education Center at Oak Hill, Think it Drink it, Organized Parents Make a Difference and the Urban Reach Institute. Through Jr. Apprentice, teens have the opportunity to “try out” different careers, gain technical skills and knowledge, receive career mentorship and learn strategies to manage their personal finances.
At the recent kickoff event, the Jr. Apprentices, their families, the professional-mentors and community supporters celebrated the 2014-2015 student and mentor cohorts. Principal Gayle Allen-Greene welcomed the group, and after a brief introduction by Director Lauren Silverstein, all students spoke about why they applied to Jr. Apprentice. Then, professional-mentor Jeff Roux of Excel Fitness explained why he applied to host an apprentice. All community supporters were also recognized at this event. Learn more about Jr. Apprentice at jrapprentice.org.