Presentation of A Framed Copy of Bill #4840 (The High School Equivalency Diploma Accessibility Act)

Jay Blankenship, Jennifer Lackey, Monnie Broome

The Greenville Regional Education Center Partners with the Book Buddy Club Initiative

The Greenville Regional Education Center Partners with the Book Buddy Club Initiative

The Greenville REC provided book bags for 22 3^rd -5^th grade students who participated

the Book Buddy Club Summer program that was held June 17^th – 24^th at Springfield Baptist

Church in Greenville, SC . The two week program summer program targeted

Elementary students from rising grades 3^rd – 5^th grade who live in poverty. At least 70% of

the program participants were low income.

Current national statistics show that 17% - 22% of school aged children have reading problems. Among low-income families, the number is likely higher (retrieved from http://www.augustineproject-upstatesc.org/statistics.php). Children do not outgrow poor reading: 74% of poor readers in 3^rd grade are still poor readers in 9^th grade.

In Greenville County, 27% of children are considered “not ready” in first grade reading. 65% of the county’s African-American children are considered “not ready” for first grade reading. 22% of 4^th grade students in Greenville, SC perform below level on the South Carolina PACT Reading Test. 62% of families with low income do not have books in the home (source: Lapsits for Early Literacy).

Being able to read well is important to doing well in school and in life. Literacy levels are indicators of academic success. Children who have access to books and enjoy reading may have higher literacy levels. Children from the lowest income communities may not have books of their own which might impact reading abilities. The Book Buddy Club plans to help students begin to enjoy reading and provide participants with books of their own.

Based on the success of the initial pilot program, the reading program will be implemented in Charlotte, NC.

Dream It Do It Technical College Student Expo Pictures

The Greenville REC, SC Works Greenville, Greenville Technical College and the SC Technical College System Partner to Host: 2014 Dream It Do It Technical College Student Advanced Manufacturers Expo

The free expo will be held on the main campus of Greenville Technical in the Engineering Technology Building Conference Room (Building #103) on Thursday, April 10^th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The theme of the expo is “Increasing Students Interest in Careers in Advanced Manufacturing”.   As of April 2, 2014 the following companies have confirmed their participation:

BMW, Lockheed Martin, ZF Transmission, Caterpillar, Baldor, Adex Maching Technologies, Bosch, Rochling, 3M, Honeywell, Comatrol

Over $1,500 in scholarships will be awarded.

Workforce and Education Summit Pictures

“Aligning Education and Workforce for 21st Century Jobs by Increasing the Pipeline of Human Capital”

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, March 10, 2014 – The Greenville Regional Education Center, SC Works Greenville and TransformSC convened Greenville County leaders in business, education, and the community to discuss the development of a collaborative system that will prepare our students to compete for jobs in a competitive global economy in the 21st century.

The goal of the Workforce and Education Summit was to develop strategic plans to guide students and adults into highly technical positions with the manufacturing sector of our community. Our vision is to align education and workforce for 21st century jobs by increasing the pipeline of human capital.

Over 100 key stake holders from the local area, the region and from across the State attended the summit.

Great job with the Workforce and Education Summit 2014.  I thought the information was very good and helpful.  Bruce Forbes, SHARE

The summit was very informative.  I came wanting to gain ideas, info and strategies to improve what we can do with our students/young people to ensure success, and I did. The opportunity to network during breakfast was great.  I'm glad I was able to attend. Katrina, Career Development Facilitator, Legacy Charter High School

Local partnerships are assisting youth transition to employment.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, March 3, 2014 – The Greenville REC’s Personal Pathways to Success, SC Works Greenville, and the Transitional Jobs Committee of the Greenville County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council are hosting a Conference for youth and young adults who have a barrier to employment. The purpose of the 2014 conference is to better prepare youth and young adults with the skills they need for employment success.

The theme this year is a Formula for Employment Success, E2=O2, Explore Options Expand Opportunity. The first part of the conference is a two-day event that will be held at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center on June 11th and 12th. The focus for part one is providing the skills needed to explore employment options… finding a job, getting a job, and keeping a job. Part one will also include a Resource Fair, introducing participants to support and resources available within the community, and a Job Fair, introducing participants to local employers willing to hire youth and young adults who may have barriers to employment. The second part of the conference will be held in partnership with Black Pages USA during Black Expo at the TD Center on Saturday, August 2nd. The focus for part two is encouraging participants to expand opportunities through continued education. Local colleges and educational institutions will also be available to provide financial aid and course information to participants.

According to Youth Council Coordinator Jay Blankenship, “This year’s theme focuses on an overall formula for employment success. Young adults no longer have to choose between getting a paycheck and furthering their education. Our conference encourages doing both! We want to give these young adults the tools they need to achieve their full potential.” Studies show that young adults are able to advance much quicker in their careers and earn a larger paycheck if they have a minimum of a two-year degree. “If someone in our targeted age group begins taking even a few courses each year, they will be surprised at how quickly they will obtain a degree and advance in their career,” explains Blankenship.

The Conference is open to all upstate Youth, ages 17-24, who have struggled transitioning to employment. There is no charge for participation, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited to the first

300 participants. Interested youth and young adults are encouraged to register by May 16th. Community partners and organizations are encouraged to refer and possibly sponsor youth. Anyone interested in a full sponsorship package should contact John Tully at 864-751-4808.

To learn more about the 2014 Youth and Young Adult Conference or to register for the event, please contact Elayne Gray at 864-467-3620.

2014 Upstate Jobs For America’s Graduate (JAG) Conference - “If You Believe”

Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., the University Center of Greenville

The conference will provide students with the essential skills and tools needed for life after high school. Over 125 JAG students from across Upstate high schools will participate in sessions that are geared to prepare for them for success in their educational pursuits as well as in everyday life. Students will participate in the following sessions:

Employability Skills - “Putting it into Practice”
Experienced human resource professional will provide one-on-one resume reviews, mock interviews and telephone interview techniques that help to expose and correct any deficiencies in the participant’s job application and interview skills.

Public Speaking:
The session introduces students to the basic elements of good public speaking and will be designed to instill a sense of confidence as they communicate orally with others.

General Sessions
SAT/ACT, ASVAB, Financial Aid, Admissions Process, and Financial Literacy

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. In more than three decades of operation, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping nearly three-quarters of a million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.

For more information contact Jay Blankenship, (864) 467-3620. To learn more about JAG go to http://www.jag.org

South Carolina State University Guidance Counselor and Advisor Appreciation Day Luncheon

SC State University’s 2nd Annual Guidance Counselor and Advisor Appreciation Luncheon promises to be more fun, with great food and the opportunity for interested students to become a part of the SC State University Bulldog Family!

This year, in partnership with the Greenville Regional Education Center and SC Works Greenville Youth Council, interested community college or continuing education transfer students, high school juniors and seniors are invited to join us for an “On the Spot Admissions/Transfer Opportunity Day.”

Recruiters and admissions staff from SC State will be on hand ready to serve and admit interested students, answer questions and network with school guidance counselors! Please RSVP by February 18th, 2014. We are limited to only 100 persons (to included counselors and students—no more than 15 students per school). Reservations must be made early and are on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Ms. Stacy Barksdale or Dr. Mary Grimes-McGreer at 864-250-8915 for additional information.