At the event—held from 5 – 7 p.m. at Choffin Career & Technical Center, 200 E. Wood St.—attendees will learn more about the program that is aimed at making students in 11th and 12th grades workforce ready by matching them to job and mentorship opportunities, as well as providing job shadowing and internship and externship opportunities, all within the local business community. Students in the program learn basic jobs skills such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, time management, team collaboration and appropriate dress for the workplace.

The Ohio Department of Education awarded the Regional Chamber two $100,000 grants for the second round of its Community Connectors school mentorship program in June. While the program launched locally in the first round of funding with Youngstown City School students during the 2015-2016 school year, in which more than 130 students enrolled (of those, 104 participated in real-world work opportunities), the program was extended to the Warren City School District for the 2016-2017 school year, as well. 

At the kick-off event, students will also have an opportunity to check out the programs that Choffin Career & Technical Center offers via a mini showcase. Featured programs include auto collision repair and refinishing; automotive, bio, health and construction technologies; manufacturing, welding and precision machining; media arts, graphic design and imaging; cosmetology; culinary arts; early childhood education; public safety/firefighting; and horticulture. 

Those interested in attending the Youngstown Community Connectors event should RSVP to Loisjean Haynes-Paige at (330) 744-8759 or Lois.haynespaige@youngstown.k12.oh.us by Sept. 19.

The local grant opportunity is a collaboration of the Regional Chamber, Youngstown State University, Kent State University Trumbull Campus, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Eastern Gateway Community College, Choffin Career & Technical Center/Youngstown City Schools and Teen Straight Talk.