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In the current economic situation, it is more critical than ever to
help arm students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
This is the case whether they plan to go to work straight from high
school, after receiving technical training, after graduating from college,
or somewhere in between.
Toward that end, the Regional Occupational Program of my office has
teamed up with Junior Achievement of Southern California, Inc., to
put together a first-of-its kind business conference for high school
students, “Connecting to Success.” Some 300 of those students
from high schools throughout the south coast will experience the look
and feel of a professional business conference, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on Friday, Oct. 29 at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort.
Students will attend from Carpinteria, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and
Santa Barbara high schools.
An opening session with keynoter Jack Canfield is designed to excite
the students about their opportunity to acquire valuable skills for
success in the workplace. The closing session will allow students to
practice interpersonal skills through a panel discussion with community
business executives. Breakout session topics will cover Ethics in the
Workplace, Working in Teams, and Communicating Your Value.
During the lunchtime Job Fair, students will have the chance to meet
various employers from throughout the community and learn more about
part-time employment and internship options.
All the individuals involved in the planning and execution of the conference
are extremely excited about the opportunity to provide students with
advanced career training and preparation. We believe this experience
will make a real difference in the lives of those who take part.
Steve Cushman, executive director of the Santa Barbara Region Chamber
of Commerce, seems to agree. He wrote: “The project is an outstanding
collaboration between the schools and Junior Achievement. The Chamber
of Commerce and over 2,000 business members appreciate the quality
of the Regional Occupation Programs and the enthusiasm of your students…They
are the business leaders of our future.”
The conference will use Junior Achievement’s Success Skills program,
designed to develop students’ interpersonal effectiveness and
problem-solving strategies, which are necessary for workplace success.
The program builds rapport, guides students in influencing others,
and helps them practice teamwork. Students undergo individual interpersonal
skills assessment and have benchmarks set as a result. They then practice
and develop skills as Junior Achievement volunteers demonstrate the
relevance to school, work, and life.
Five individuals have been instrumental to the conference: Regional
Occupational Program Director John Ingram and Coordinator Marilyn Lake;
Junior Achievement of Southern California, Inc. Directors Amanda Sattler
and Margo White; and Platinum Business Solutions President Al Nodarse.
Anyone with questions can contact either John Ingram or Marilyn Lake
of our Regional Occupational Program, at 964-4711.
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