Gearing Up for Success

New Graduates from JFS’ Pre-Employment Camp

A wonderful group of 22 students in grades 8 through 12 completed JFS’ summer pre-employment camp in August through the Pre-Employment Transition Program (PETS).

Instructors worked with the students, ages 14-21, to address ways on how to find and maintain jobs, especially for students who experience personal challenges and have foreseen barriers.

Over the course of the summer camps, the groups participated in career exploration activities, resume writing, mock interviews, and video production.

On August 10, State Representative Valerie Maglio Longhurst and Attorney General Matt Denn visited the youths and shared their thoughts on the value of public service, then engaged the group in a discussion of their thoughts on gun violence.

In addition to Denn and Longhurst, an array of speakers met with the campers to discuss career paths, including a public defender, entrepreneurs, and a representative of the Delaware National Guard. Students also learned about finances, budgeting, and the importance of credit from a guest speaker affiliated with Stand By Me Delaware.

The group also visited different job sites including Radio Stations (99.5 WJBR and 93.7 WSTWFM), Christiana Care, and the Grand Opera House, where they had the chance to talk about careers in art, hospitality, marketing, and stage technical support.

Since camp ended, parents and students have reached out to JFS sharing stories about the impact of their experiences. Ms. Ryals, a mother of 4 campers enrolled in the week-long program, gladly shared that her “daughter’s confidence level increased during and after camp. She participated in mock interviews and was able to work on her resume, which in turn helped her to secure her first job.” Just one week after completing the camp, Ryal’s daughter found a job at a Home Assistance facility!