Urban Youth Impact's Summer Work Program equips students to enter the work force through paid internships in professional settings. Every summer the application process is highly competitive, and this year was no exception. Urban Youth Impact received over 60 applications for 26 positions. The following businesses and organizations provided job placements for the students:
- Cafe Joshua
- The Community Health Center
- Omnipotent Outreach Ministries
- Orthodox Zion Child Development Center
- Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office
- Police Athletic League
- Rock Legal Services
- West Palm TV
Sheyla Cornish, who interned at West Palm TV, was a new face in this year's Summer Work Program. At just fifteen, she has already studied TV production, earned college credits, and articulates very clear goals about her future. And on top of that, she took on a complex project in addition to her duties at the TV station.
Over the course of her six-week internship, Sheyla created a video about the Summer Work Program. She interviewed and filmed other students, coaching them on how to look at the camera and speak clearly. She also recorded a voice-over of Summer Work Program Coordinator John O'Hara reading a script that she prepared. John observed, "While most fifteen-year-olds seem to be consumed with fashion, friends, and music, Sheyla is concerned with educating herself."
Successful Business Professionals Impact Students
In addition to their internships, the students attended trainings led by business professionals. The youth enthusiastically embraced the speakers and the valuable lessons they shared. Fifteen-year-old Virginia Carter summed it up the best: "The guest speakers were inspiring and helped us get to where we need to be in life." The following guests shared several golden nuggets of professional wisdom:
Mr. Merrill Eastman
Having managed 21,000 employees as the former President & CEO of Best Foods, Mr. Eastman (pictured here) knows what employers are looking for when it comes to excellent workers. He stressed the importance of education, integrity, loyalty, and perseverance, but reminded the students, "Success isn't about money. It's about adding value to yourself and those you love."
Mr. Specce is a well-rounded man professionally, having been a pilot, chiropractor, and construction company owner. Speaking from personal experience, he reminded the students that two qualities of a good worker should never change, even if the job does: precision and passion.
Ms. Rebecca Williams
Ms. Williams co-founded Earth Elements, a home fragrance company, and has acted in plays and commercials for over 20 years. Her two lines of work have taught her the value of persistence and innovation. "There's nothing you can't do with faith and hard work," she said.
Dr. Bettye Knighton
Dr. Knighton, CEO of Emerge Publishing Group, is an author, a minister, and has over 30 years of experience as a Certified Professional Speaker. She taught the students simple but powerful strategies for becoming dynamic public speakers.
Mr. Rick Schnur
Mr. Schnur is a teacher and boys' baseball coach. In his extra time, he assists with his wife's business, which is a high-end pet food store. The Schnurs have learned how significant it is to fully support each other in order to succeed, and he encouraged the students to do the same.
Comments