Local businesses to help 350 students prepare to "Connect to Success"

Local businesses throughout Santa Barbara and Carpinteria will help some 350 students from high schools throughout the south coast experience the look and feel of a professional business conference at “Connecting to Success,” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort.

The conference, designed to help students hone skills needed for entering the workforce after high school, pursuing advanced training in technical areas, or attending college, is sponsored by the Regional Occupational Program of the County Education Office and Junior Achievement of Southern California, Inc.

Students will attend from Carpinteria, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and Santa Barbara high schools.

An opening session with keynoter Jean Steel is designed to excite 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, including Frank Schipper, Schipper Construction; Seanna Marie Weaver, Ace-ana Promotions; and Tim Tremblay, Tremblay Financial Services. Breakout sessions will cover Ethics in the Workplace, Financial Literacy, and Communicating Your Value and Presenting Yourself.

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.

“This is an extremely valuable venture for high school students, and all the individuals involved in the planning and execution of the conference are excited about the opportunity to provide students with advanced career training and preparation,” said County Superintendent Bill Cirone, whose office is coordinating and cosponsoring the event. “We believe this experience will make a real difference in the lives of those who take part.”

Wrote Steve Cushman, executive director of the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce: “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.

Further information is available by contacting: John Ingram or Marilyn Lake at the Regional Occupational Office of the County Education Office, 964-4711, ext. 4461.