Confidence, Community, and Career Readiness
Seeing Student Needs Clearly
Confidence, Community, and Career Readiness are the three things ALMS has found young people are looking for today. These are three areas where ALMS excels in helping youth prepare not only for a job but for a lifelong change in their trajectory. We tell them to reach for the moon, and if they do not succeed, they will fall among the stars – and the stars often are more meaningful, fulfilling, and successful than anything they imagined.
Last Friday, ALMS incorporated inviting potential employers hiring entry-level positions to join a session of the Job Readiness Trust Series. The ALMS cohort included seven young men from Woodland High and Cache Creek High School who were taking classes in career technology such as welding and mechanics. Although the session was specifically designed for senior high students, two determined junior high students insisted on attending. They received permission from their parents to miss their last class and were driven to ALMS to ensure they had the opportunity to be considered for the program. Impressively, all seven young men concluded the program with perfect attendance achieving a 100% completion rate!
Representatives of Clark Pacific arrived on the final day to participate and observe as ‘day’ mentors during the exchange of the lesson, facilitation of small groups, and the conclusion of impromptu questions called Flash Topics. Their comments were very positive.
“You all have shown us that you are ready for the workforce. I did not see any phones, you asked good questions, you looked me in the eyes before and after you received the answers, you have good communication skills, supported each other during the lesson, and I see you know how to work as a team. You are 90% better than your counterpart.” Eddie, HR Forman, Clark Pacific
Students also confirmed that they were surprised by how their reading improved each day (English is a second language for some), growing in confidence. They were more comfortable speaking in front of strangers, answering questions, and building a community among the guys there. They found a sense of belonging and willingness to participate actively. And they recognized their personal growth.
“I go to school with everyone here. I’ve seen all these guys. But I didn’t know them personally. I never spoke to them. Now, I know them. It’s pretty cool.” Esteban, Student
Clark Pacific has committed to hiring two junior interns for the summer and is already interviewing senior high school students from the program. What if we could reach more students for more jobs, and help them grow socially, emotionally, and financially - changing their trajectory? What if ALMS could do more? With your help, we can.
To get involved, contact Jayne Williams, Executive Director at jayne@almsinyolo.org
Become A Stakeholder In The ALMS Vision For Yolo County Youth As We Enter the Next Ten Years
BE A MONTHLY GIVER!
Jayne Williams | 916.769.5162 | jayne@almsinyolo.org
