Students Learn New Skills through Cocoa Works Youth Program

From BPS Focus Newsletter: http://www.edline.net/pages/Brevard_County_Schools/News/4175689697977929220

COCOA, FLA. – Earlier this summer, the City of Cocoa worked with Career Source Brevard to create a summer youth employment program for high school juniors and seniors who reside within the limits of the City of Cocoa.  The program, which ran from June 20 – July 22, 2016, was designed to foster career readiness and the professional skills necessary to seek employment after graduation.

 The month-long program began with a week of employment skills training led by Career Source Brevard. Students were taught how to write a resume, dress for the job interview and practice interview questions to lead to successful employment.  After the week-long training, students presented their resumes, were interviewed by the hiring City of Cocoa managers and then matched with their ideal positions.  Positions ranged in departments such as IT help desk, public relations, maintenance and engineering.  Students were afforded the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice by experiencing the different local government roles firsthand.  The program culminated in a graduation held at a City of Cocoa Council meeting on July 26, where students were given the opportunity to speak about their experiences.

 “Students learned so much from the program, as did the city staff members,” said Samantha Senger, City of Cocoa’s public relations specialist.  “We wanted to show these youths the opportunities that exist in local government and the opportunities that exist in their own community.  We are so excited to be able to continue this great partnership with our local schools in the future.”

 For more information, please contact Senger at [email protected].