Drexel Libraries Participates in Philadelphia Youth Networks WorkReady Program
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When Henry Taylor graduates from high school next summer, he’ll be one step ahead of his peers. Taylor, a Kensington senior, is a participant in the Philadelphia Youth Network’s WorkReady Program, which matches over 5,000 young people to summer employment opportunities and service programs, where they can build skills to prepare for their eventual careers.
“This is Henry’s first job, and we have an exciting opportunity to help him discover and build essential skills that will help him to become a successful professional,” Library Reserve Coordinator, Gina Cacace, who works closely with Henry, said.
Taylor, a football player who’s favorite subjects include math and science, isn’t sure what he wants to do for a living or what subject he might like to major in, but he does have dreams of owning his own business one day.
“Henry and I have shared a lot of laughs and he has taught me things as well, Cacace said. “He’s showed me how important it is to get out of my ‘librarian’ state of mind and has changed the way that I relate to my work.”.
Regardless of the institution he eventually chooses, working in the Libraries has taught Taylor a valuable lesson in planning ahead. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” he says, “A lot of people come in and try to get books/materials at the last minute, and the items are already checked out. They could fail [their assignment] because they waited too long.”
WorkReady Philadelphia is the city-wide youth workforce development system, which is funded through a blending of public, private sector and philanthropic investments. Overseen by the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success – a subgroup of the Workforce Investment Board – WorkReady Philadelphia 2011 summer youth employment and service programs run from July 5 through August 12 and serve over 5,000 young people. Participating youth earn at least minimum wage, and participate for 120 hours over the six-week period. The bulk of public funding for WorkReady Summer 2011 is provided through Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and the Workforce Investment Act.
News media contacts:
Jenny James Lee, Drexel University Libraries, marketing & events associate
Niki Gianakaris, Director, Media Relations, Office of University Communications215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu
Michelle Martin, Communications Coordinator, Philadelphia Youth Network, Inc.
267-502-3752 or mimartin@pyninc.org
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