From Camp to Corporate: Job Training Program 2024
This summer was a remarkable season for our Job Training Program, with an unprecedented 70+ high school teens enrolled in the enriching experience designed to prepare them for future careers. The program’s roots trace back to 2007 when we created the initial framework for our high school juniors and seniors, aiming to keep them engaged during the entire summer while preparing them with essential career readiness skills when they were not at Camp Fiver.
Over the years, this initiative has evolved into a comprehensive four-week program designed for high school-aged youth, where participants engage in hands-on workshops, professional development activities, and real-world employment experiences. By the end of the program, participants walk away with a deeper understanding of their strengths and leadership styles, ready to excel in their future careers. The program also exposes students to diverse career options, including those that don’t require a college degree, helping them make informed decisions about their futures. Direct engagement with professionals and meaningful connections enhance their resumes, build confidence, and bridge the gap between their current skills and workforce demands, preparing them for long-term success.
Through activities such as industry panels, speed networking, and visits to leading companies like Google, Paramount, Mastercard, Royal Bank of Canada, and Global Holdings Management Group, our youth gained valuable exposure to a wide range of career paths and workplace environments this summer. Check out some of the group’s summer highlights below.
Kicking Off Job Training at Global Holdings
Fiver’s Job Training Program kicked off its company visits with an engaging trip to Global Holdings Management Group, a real estate and shipping company, where teens toured the facilities and interacted with employees from various departments and levels of experience. A special thank you to Michelle Blieberg for her efforts in building this valuable partnership between Fiver and Global Holdings, creating enriching opportunities for our youth.
Alumni-Led Exploration: A Tech Journey at Google
Board members and Fiver alumni Jonathan Jean-Pierre and Gabriela Berroa hosted our teens at Google’s office at Chelsea Market, where they explored the vibrant work environment and participated in mock interviews with Google volunteers. This opportunity allowed the teens to experience the dynamic culture of one of the world’s leading tech companies firsthand.
Financial Futures: A Day at RBC
At the Royal Bank of Canada Capital Market’s office in downtown Manhattan, board member John Cokinos and his colleagues welcomed our youth for an engaging session that featured speed networking and an insider’s view of the bustling trading floor. This exposure to the fast-paced world of finance gave our Fivers a taste of what a career in banking might entail.
Empowered by Innovation: A Visit to Mastercard
Board member Eleine Polido and her team at Mastercard’s technology hub welcomed our students for an insightful office tour that showcased the innovative environment of the company. Following the tour, four Mastercard employees from across the globe participated in an interactive panel and Q&A session with our teens. This experience encouraged our students to think creatively about technology and its role in the future of work, while the meaningful connections made during the visit left a lasting impression on the participants.
Celebrating #25Years with Spongebob at Paramount!
Thanks to board member Daphne Leroy, our teens had the chance to engage with a diverse panel of employees at Paramount, tour CBS Studios, and even snap a photo with SpongeBob, who, like Fiver, is celebrating a 25th anniversary this year! These memorable experiences not only inspire our Fivers but also help them envision their own paths in the professional world.
Throughout the program, teens have learned vital workplace professionalism skills, drafted resumes, and met diverse role models while touring various companies. These visits not only provided invaluable insights into different industries but also fostered connections that can shape the career paths of our Fivers. For example, during a recent summer panel, students had the opportunity to connect with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) manager from Snapchat, who shared insights on how these critical values are integrated into corporate settings. Additionally, in collaboration with organizations like Northwell Health, the program introduced students to pressing social issues such as gun violence prevention. Our Fivers engaged with four professionals from Northwell Health in a dynamic panel discussion, interactive Q&A, and speed networking sessions. The panelists shared their inspiring journeys, offering valuable insights into overcoming challenges and pursuing their passions in healthcare. These experiences aim to illustrate how individuals from various backgrounds can thrive in professional settings, fostering a more inclusive and empowered pipeline of future professionals.
One of the standout outcomes of our Job Training Program is the increased clarity and confidence our Fivers gain regarding their career aspirations. Remarkably, 85% of students report having a clearer idea of the kind of job they’d like to pursue after participating in the program. Furthermore, 90% of participants left equipped with a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. These impressive statistics highlight the program’s effectiveness in providing essential tools and experiences that shape the future ambitions of our youth, thanks in large part to our phenomenal programming team. As we look to the future, we hope to build the capacity of the program and include even more youth in this fulfilling experience.
