Recently, students enrolled in the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) work-preparation program, operated by KRA Corporation for the Camden County Workforce Investment Board, rolled up their sleeves to revitalize the OSY classrooms by moving furniture, clearing and cleaning rooms, and painting walls—a bright orange!
OSY students Dejah Hartley and Christian take a break for a photo-op
KRA/OSY Instructor, Nigel Charles, reported, “We are continually exploring ways to strengthen the students’ quality of education and to foster a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment. The office-like setting that existed was not conducive to learning, but with the support of our Program Manager, Kimberly Smith-Bristow, and the help of our students, we were able to change all that.”
Nicole Powers, KRA/Camden Outreach Specialist, reflected on the makeover, “It was important for all of us to pitch in to re-do the classrooms—cooperation and teamwork in action! We hope the eye-popping color will brighten-up the students’ days, and maybe even their lives.”
Smith-Bristow concluded, “The result of the project serves as a kind of metaphor for the students, that they do have the power to change the environment in which they are functioning. And, now they have a daily reminder of how bright their futures can be, each time they enter the classrooms they helped to transform.”
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.
