The 15 week program is a partnership between the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Chamber of Commerce and Allentown School District
Allentown, Pa. (March 15, 2018) – Eighth grade students in The Allentown School District are embarking on a new opportunity this spring allowing them to make real life career connections through Career Link. A new program for middle school, funded through a grant written by the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley and the Chamber of Commerce, aims to get students thinking about their post-graduate life at an earlier age.
Formally called the Career Linking Academy, this unique partnership began in February, with students and teachers informally meeting with Career Link and Chamber of Commerce staff. Now that the introductory stages have concluded, the program will really take flight, providing students with:
- Career awareness activities and interest assessments
- Interview skills, resume preparation, cover letters, briefs and job applications
- Interviews and workshops with human resources mangers to discuss skills, career interests, employer needs
- Job shadowing days with local employers
- Post-graduate options including: Career and Technical School, Community College and University Tours
The program takes place after school and students from each of the four middle schools will be bussed to the Career Link center to meet with their staff, and representatives Chamber of Commerce associated businesses. Approximately 30 students from South Mountain, Trexler, Raub and Harrison Morton Middle Schools are participating each week.
“The middle school Career Linking Academy program supports the vision outlined in the District’s Strategic Framework, ensuring that our students graduate college and career ready,” said Allentown School District Superintendent Thomas Parker. “To prepare students to make decisions about their future, it is crucial that we show them what opportunities they have at an early age, and give them the skills necessary to explore and pursue desired post-secondary options,” continued Parker.
About Career Link: PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley is an employment and training center that connects employers and job opportunities with qualified job seekers. For more information visit: https://www.careerlinklehighvalley.org
Information Provided By:
Office of Communications
Allentown School District
www.allentownsd.org/
