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2008 Project: Step To Success: Ready, Set, Work! |
BEST PRACTICE FOCUS: CAREER PATHWAYS CONSORTIUM: DESCRIPTION: Winner of: 2008 STP/ATP Award for Workforce Readiness and 2008 1st place SUNSPRA Sunshine 2008 Medallion Award -Programs & Projects "Business Partnership" small school district category. For the eighth consecutive year, The Human Resource Management Association of Martin County in partnership with the Martin County School District Department of Vocational, Adult and Community Education presented Steps To Success, an action-packed day of workshops, inspiring speakers, and real-world, career development activities for more than 100 Career Technical students, ages 15 through 18. the theme of this year’s event: ready, set, work! Leading HR professionals representing Martin County’s top employers teamed up with personnel from VACE and Indian River College Clark Advanced Learning Center to form the Steps to Success Planning Committee; this group began meeting in early October 2007 for the event scheduled for March 20, 2008. The goal of the committee was to create a high-energy, engaging, and professional seminar that would help prepare these high school students to develop a long term career strategy and to put their best foot forward when they enter the job market. Information gained through the Eighth Annual Steps to Success seminar put students on the inside track with sessions that included: Some of the most highly respected human resource professionals on the Treasure Coast served as presenters for each of the sessions. In an interactive format, these “pros” captivated the students with their timely expertise and relevant tips. Students had the opportunity to learn directly from the people in charge of the hiring what it takes to get a job and to succeed in the workplace. The students were attentive, involved, and conducted themselves as mature young adults—they all came dressed in appropriate business attire, as required. The Planning Committee wanted this event to reflect every element of a “professional” seminar. This involved some significant expenses, but through in-kind contributions and sponsorships, the costs were minimized. Indian River College donated the use of the impressive Wolf Technology Center, and Martin County Schools funded transportation costs. The Steps to Success seminar is free of charge to all participants. Both breakfast and lunch were provided to 130 students, teachers, and committee members; a professional DJ set the stage for the fashion show, and kept the party rocking during the lunch break. Door prizes including gift certificates and two iPods added to the excitement. Professional speaker Cynthia Krosky, CSP, LSCW and President of Achieving Corporate Excellence, was truly a highlight of the event; she offered her outstanding presentation at an extremely discounted rate. The total expenses for the entire event were a remarkable $2,242.03 As an added resource, committee members compiled extensive Steps to Success Toolkit for students to take home from the seminar. This notebook contains timely information and examples on resume and professional letter writing, interviewing techniques, career-boosting attitudes, and links to a myriad of employment resources. To measure the effectiveness of each activity within the day, the committee asked students and teachers to complete specific evaluation surveys. The STS Planning committee has already received several requests from students as well as teachers who wish to sign up for Steps to Success 2009 which is perhaps the most revealing of all measures of success! CONTACT INFORMATION:
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