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SJRCC Press Release
July 2009
VOICE students prepare for success
After giving her PowerPoint presentation the finishing touch, 16-year-old Misty Watkins now considers herself somewhat of a perfectionist, and that's a good thing. "It has taken me a lot longer to finish projects than the other students," Watkins said, adding that her newfound attention to detail is a positive addition to her work ethic. "I didn't realize I was that meticulous," she said. Watkins is one of the 44 students who recently participated in a new outreach program created to give Putnam County young adults a second chance at career development.
The software application was merely one component of the program where students received hands-on, real-world training in communications, Microsoft Office, and various academic foundations. VOICE coordinator Jim Laquidara said the program is the perfect opportunity to give this community's young people a chance to excel through their creative side - an additional discovery for Watkins. Watkins said she learned the importance of creativity during the four-week program and that not all projects can be accomplished through conventional means. "If you're not creative, you can't think outside the box," she said. Her classmates agreed with a new appreciation for their self discovery.
VOICE, which stands for Victory Over Instability by Choosing Education, is a career exploration and remediation partnership between St. Johns River Community College and the Florida Endowment Foundation for Florida's Graduates. Students between the age of16 and 24 enrolled in the program held at SJRCC's Palatka campus.
VOICE instructor Sandi Bevans said as a teacher, one of the biggest rewards has been to witness students beginning to believe in themselves. "I saw inspiration where it had not existed before," Bevans said.
The program has given students like Beleria Leonard, 18, and Izely Crowley, 19, of Palatka, the confidence that a postsecondary education is within their reach. Leonard said she learned a lot about herself. "I'm creative," she said, adding that learning PowerPoint was also one of her favorite assignments. Before the program, Leonard said her only priority was her son and finding a job. "I didn't think I would have the time to really go to college," she said. "It's opened a lot of doors. I like coming here."
The students agreed that the program and adjusting to the college campus has encouraged them to return and pursue their associate in arts degree once they earn their GEDs. "We won't be so overwhelmed when we do start here," Watkins said. The students shared their desire for possible careers in botany, zoology and chemistry. Crowley, who had not considered college as an option before, said that his experience at the College was a positive one and agreed that an education is "the right thing."
The program also included sessions on how to compete in the job market. Interlachen resident Xavier Santiago, 18, said the program has prepared him in his search for a job. "Before, I didn't know anything about resumes, interviews or how to dress," Santiago said. "It was a great experience. I learned a lot."
Melanie Brown, Ph.D., Provost for SJRCC's Open Campus, said the College is glad to partner with a program capable of reaching a diverse range of students. "It is my hope that the program will open doors for kids who may otherwise just slip through the cracks," Brown said. "Our goal is to give students the tools to be successful in applying for jobs and to experience success in a positive academic environment, thus encouraging them to further pursue their education."
The students were honored with a ceremony and certificates of completion following the program. They were also presented with additional learning opportunities in workforce development, the Florida School of the Arts and adult education. Many students who did not possess a high school diploma have enrolled in the GED program, while several with diplomas are making arrangements for college. All students participated in the Ready to Work program.
Seats are available for the August and September sessions. Eligible students must be between the ages of16 and 24 and not possess a high school diploma or GED. Interested applicants with a GED must have tested below the 9th grade level in basic skills. Qualified participants will earn $140 per week. Lunch will also be provided. For more information regarding the program, contact Jim Laquidara at (386) 527-5169.
PHOTO: From left, students Misty Watkins, Izely Crowley, Xavier Santiago and Beleria Leonard.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJRCC Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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