EVERETT — Students at the Center for Career Alternatives in Everett want to learn about your job.
The center is seeking volunteers for its new mentorship program that helps students learn about their career options.
The pilot program, funded by a $5,000 grant from the Everett Clinic Foundation, is for teens ages 14 to 20.
"The goal for the students is to help them investigate a career they’re interested in," center Director Cathy Reitan said. "A lot of times what they have is a picture in their minds of what the job is. This shows them the reality and gives them a better understanding of the education and experience they’ll need."
The center is looking for mentors from a variety of careers including law enforcement, health care, transportation, the arts, business and construction. Students are especially interested in technology jobs.
"All of our kids we work with are at-risk youth. A positive role model in the same kind of career they want can give them hope that they can get there too," Reitan said.
Mentors are needed for 15 students, she said. Volunteers must meet at least six times with their students during the three-month mentorship. The amount of time will vary depending on the student.
Teens will do a project related to the job to show what they’ve learned, such as a portfolio, and write resumes. Workplace mentors and the students will receive training and guidebooks from the center to help them, Reitan said.
"The mentors personally get the satisfaction of helping youth develop and be successful in our community," she said.
"Most of the population we’re working with is on the line where they could go downhill or uphill. The more kids we can get into positive environments, the better our community will be."
The center is a nonprofit agency that provides education and employment training for more than 300 teens a year. Most have dropped out of high school.
To volunteer as a mentor or for more information about the program, call the Center for Career Alternatives at 425-252-6400.
Reporter Katherine Schiffner: 425-339-3436 or schiffner@heraldnet.com.
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