Job Corps Update

Thursday October 13, 2011

« Back To News

As a YWCA Hallmark Program, Economic Empowerment is woven through all aspects of YWCA's programming. Multiple efforts with Job Corps students reflect the passion the YWCA has for equipping young people for today's economy. One such recent effort, a BizCamp pilot program administrated by NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), was an intensive, two week program for 40 Job Corps students focusing on entrepreneurship.

"During the training, students learned about business-related topics such as return on investment, supply and demand, opportunity recognition, and marketing," stated Jackie Honore, LA Job Corps Center Director. "This partnership with NFTE originated within the last year and we couldn't be more enthused about what these students learned and how it will positively impact their individual futures."

At the end of the program, students came up with a business idea and then worked to complete a business plan. On September 2nd, during a culmination event, six teams presented their business ideas and plans to a panel of judges. Three top winners were chosen and given prizes. Job Corps student Ashley Johnson took first prize with her business "Wear Yourself Art", a business allowing people to design their own shirts with original art. Her plan allowed for groups to engage in art together and schools to contract this business for various reasons. Randy Martell took 2nd place with "Beauty Minded", a freelance make-up artist company and Amerisa Gonzalez and Kevin Portillo took 3rd place with "Dine in Time", a retro dining restaurant. The event's judging panel included: Betty LaMarr, Founder of EmpowHer Institute; Edward Kushell, President of The Franchise Consulting Group; Estelle Reyes, Executive Director of NFTE Greater Los Angeles; Basil Kimbrew, CEO/Founder of CA Friends of the African American Caucus; and Linda Brandon, Career Development Division Director at LAJCC.

"One goal of the program was to see how we can help these up-and-coming entrepreneurs realize their goals by preparing them with necessary business tools and helping them identify ways to begin making their dreams a reality including acquiring seed money. We envision something like BizCamp being an ongoing program at Job Corps and throughout the YWCA," continued Honore.

As students matriculate through Job Corps, they are empowered to provide financially for themselves and their families while pursuing careers and not just jobs. On August 30th, over 120 Job Corps students of the Class of 2011 celebrated graduating the program at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the presence of family, friends, and dedicated teachers and Job Corps staff. This celebration also honored the over 500 students who qualified for graduation but due to the nature of the program have been already placed in employment. Jennifer Kushnell, Founder of Young and Successful Media, was the Keynote Speaker. Laquentanae Jones, Lauren Taylor and Steven Alvarez were this year's student graduate speakers. Awards were given to students with outstanding academic achievement and perfect attendance. During the reception following the commencement, LAJC students performed musical selections to entertain guests and finger foods were served by the Job Corps Culinary Arts students.

 

« Back To News

Photos

No Photos Available