Pathfinders

Path Finders
Creating a path to their future
Lead Partner: Junior Achievement of Central Florida
Kick-off: September 2011

Path Finders is an after-school opportunity for students to learn about themselves and develop a path toward a successful future through career exposure, self exploration and academic planning.

  • Students will be mentored on career opportunities and develop an academic career plan
  • 6-week career opportunity-focused seminar for middle school and high school students at several schools throughout Orange County
  • Students will participate in a career exploration event in an effort to develop an interest in one or more of the career opportunities provided before being paired up with mentors who will allow them to shadow on-the-job and tour work locations

Career Coach

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Supervisor: Hameedah Abdullah and Rob Kleiman, AmeriCorps VISTAs Orlando Cares & Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc.

Purpose/Objective: Volunteers act as mentors, offing direction, planning, and inspiration for a variety of careers.

Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc.Location: Volunteers will be working at one of the following schools: Howard Middle School, Lee Middle School, Stonewall Jackson Middle School or Englewood Community Center.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist students in developing a better understanding of a specified career
  • Encourages students to pursue a career and academic excellence
  • Teach valuable lessons in career exploration and planning
  • Present key concepts such as work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to students
  • Help students develop career plans that put them on track for graduation, and guide them to the courses that prepare them for their chosen careers
  • Give students a sense of direction, empowerment and control over their future success
     

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge
    • High school graduate
    • Professional, technical or trade workforce expertise
  • Commitment
    • Must be available for 3 weekly sessions on specified days from 3:45 - 6 p.m.
    • Must provide 6 hours of coaching with Middle School or High School Students (including job shadowing, planning, and inspiration)
      Must commit for a minimum of one semester
    • Must also be able to host students for a job shadow or tour at their place of work
  • Skills and Abilities
    • Must be able to work well with others and provide positive feedback on student’s progress
    • Must be comfortable speaking in public and with individuals
    • Must be an excellent listener with strong communication skills
    • Must be interested in working with teenagers to create a career plan
  • Other
    • Must be employed (include self-employment) or have an applicable career experience with access to a location appropriate for shadowing
    • Must pass a criminal background check
    • Must use appropriate language and model honorable behavior, such as respect, integrity, honesty, and excellence

Time Commitment:

  • Volunteers must be available for 3 weekly sessions, 3:45 - 6 p.m. on specified days

Training/Support Provided:

  • All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation and a subsequent training session by Junior Achievement.
  • All volunteers will be supported by trained Junior Achievement staff.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

  • Sense of giving back to your community by inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers
  • Contribute to meaningful youth activities within your community
  • Play a key role in shaping a student’s future
  • Share your personal and professional success and expertise while meeting an immediate and critical need in our community.

Program Website: jacentralfl.org, orlandocares.net/pathfinders

Phone:: 407.898.2121 x36

E-mail: ahameedah@jacentralfl.org  or rkleiman@jacentralfl.org

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