KRA, the Housing Authority of Somerset, and the Family and Youth Resource Service Centers (FYRSC) collaborated to develop and implement a Work Readiness and Career Exploration Program for low-income high school students. The program, STRIDES – Students Taking Responsibility in Developing Employment Skills – was organized into two 5-week programs. Speakers from various career fields such as nursing, medical, dental, carpentry, welding, electricity, electronics, banking, insurance, and geology spoke about their careers, the training needed, the employment outlook both locally and nationally, salary ranges, and various other aspects. Students toured houseboat manufacturing factories, the community college, and the local aviation program. The last week’s session was held at a local B&B where the students enjoyed a gourmet meal and learned about business and personal etiquette. All students who attended each session received a voucher to purchase a work outfit, and then have an opportunity to job-shadow a career of their choice.
Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
