Jay Blankenship, Jennifer Lackey, Monnie Broome |
Thursday, July 17, 2014
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 3rd -5th grade
students who participated
the Book
Buddy Club Summer program that was held June 17th – 24th
at Springfield Baptist
Church in Greenville, SC . The two week
program summer program targeted
Elementary
students from rising grades 3rd – 5th 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 3rd
grade are still poor readers in 9th 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 4th
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.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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 10th 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.
“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, SHAREThe 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
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)