Instructions: Create an original post and describe the major groups of people with whom you work and the backgrounds from which they originate. Identify the key resources that you use with this group. Then respond to one classmate’s post. You will make a total of two posts.
Remember that our learning group works in a full-value environment: We treat our colleagues with respect and professionalism. Our comments should reflect this culture.
In my role as the career counselor at a local school district in Western Maryland, I work with a variety of students from various socio-economic backgrounds. A portion of our population is considered economically disadvantaged (34.5%) and nearly half of our students (43.4%) receive free and reduced meals. For many of the students choosing to attend college, they will be the first from their families to attend post-secondary education. We also have a significant number of students who plan to attend a trade/vocational school after graduation. We have an incredibly unique opportunity where we are able to offer a commissioner’s scholarship which covers two years of tuition at our local community college for students who graduate from either of the two high schools in our county.
The key resource I use when working with students is disseminating information using a variety of media outlets. We utilize communication outlets such as Schoology and email. We send out daily announcements that include upcoming visiting college opportunities, available scholarships, and meetings with the team from our local junior college that provides continuing education and workforce development (CDLs, diesel mechanic, machining, culinary, welding, medical billing/coding, etc.).
One-on-one interaction is also a vital technique used with this group of students. I try to meet with every student each year to get an update on their goals and how they plan to achieve them. This also provides me an opportunity to begin to plant seeds for them to think about as they begin to match their interests to their pursuits after high school.
I also provide lessons to 5th -12th grade students throughout the year. We use a career development LMS that helps students recognize their strengths and weaknesses, helps them develop goals, and helps them write resumes (depending on the grade level). This provides students with continuous support as students grow and their interests develop. We also provide career exploration days (at the elementary and middle school levels) and job fairs (high school students).
It’s great to hear how proactive you are in using various communication methods to engage your participants! That adaptability is key to ensuring no one slips through the cracks. The fact that 34% of your participants are classified as economically disadvantaged is an important insight, as it highlights potential barriers they may face beyond the classroom.
One suggestion is to incorporate messaging that includes resources or programs that could address their needs, such as local food pantries, transportation assistance, or school-based support services. Consistency and clarity in your communication are essential for those participants—sending reminders or follow-ups through their preferred modality can make a big difference. Sometimes, just being a listening ear and showing that you’re aware of their circumstances goes a long way in building trust and engagement.
It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job!
Jodi,
It is very important that we are exposing our youth with many opportunities that would allow them a variety of platforms to learn about so many different career options and routes to achieving their goals. Exposing our youth an early age is so important. Early exposure to careers helps youth develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. These skills will assist the youth in the workplace and can be applied in many different areas of their life.
Mrs. Roberts,
Your program is amazing. Fostering empowerment help youth develop a sense of purpose and can help with their social skills, behavior, and academic achievement. This will build confidence of nurturing self-identity, building resilience, setting goals, and preparing for independence. Your program is preparing youth for life after graduation. One of the checklists that I think is important to gain the necessary skills for workforce pathway is gaining work experience through internship. In addition, networking with professionals, building essential life skills, and discussing plans with family and guidance counselors.
I agree that is important to expose our youth to various careers and opportunities at an early age. Oftentimes individuals pursue careers based on what they are exposed to within their environment, thus career exploration and awareness is so important at an early age. The Biotech field and Climate Transition are emerging fields in our area. We are trying to create awareness and exposure to these high paying jobs. We partnered with an organization that provides services to families with children ages 0-5 to create a coloring book that includes pictures of careers for our “in-demand” occupations (i.e. scientist, nurse/doctor, environmental worker, chef, computer programmer, equipment operator). Also, we are trying to create awareness around BioEconomy and are finding many individuals are not familiar with this industry, or don’t see themselves working in this field. We are working with a company called Gladeo, (an online career exploration and navigation platform) to help individuals explore Bio-careers. which will also include videos of individuals who look like them (racial make-up of their community) working in the field. We want them to know it is possible for them too!!
With the Blueprint pillar of College and Career Readiness in Maryland having a strong push for apprenticeship, I appreciate your hands-on approach with your students. It sounds like you have a great relationship with our community college partners which is key to introducing continuing education, occupational certifications and apprenticeships. I just saw a national news segment on HS students trending to the trades as career pathways. This was in the Midwest but I am hopeful we will see the trend in Maryland as well! One of the rationales that resonated for students from lower-income households was the opportunity the trades provide to earnings above their family incomes and secure careers.
It’s nice to read that your program offers exposure to our youth populations in career development and labor market information. Not only being a mom but also working in the Workforce allowed me to witness firsthand and experience the importance of this education for students. There are so many benefits from doing this; I feel that it helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by understanding the skills and qualifications required for different jobs. When students see the real-world applications of their education, they are often more motivated to succeed academically. Allowing the opportunities for programs that include internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities help students develop essential skills and gain practical experience. These types of programs can help bridge the gap for students from low-income backgrounds or those who are the first in their families to attend college, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Overall, career development and labor market information empower students to pursue fulfilling careers and achieve economic stability.
As the Assistant Director of Youth Services, I have the privilege of working with an inspiring group of in-school and out-of-school youth through the Youth Career Connections (YCC) and Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS) programs. These young people bring various experiences and backgrounds, including first-generation American citizens, others part of the foster care system, and a few justice-involved. Each of them has their own unique story, challenges, and aspirations, and it’s incredibly rewarding to support them as they work toward building bright futures. Whether navigating cultural transitions, overcoming systemic barriers, or seeking stability, they all share a deep drive to grow, achieve, and succeed.
To help these youth along their journeys, we offer a range of supportive resources tailored to meet their needs. Paid internships, professional development workshops, and hands-on career exploration activities are just a few ways we create opportunities for them to gain valuable experience and confidence. For those facing specific challenges, like foster care transitions or re-entering the workforce, we provide mentorship, life skills training, and personal guidance to help them feel supported every step. Our partnerships with local employers and organizations also open doors to career paths in Prince George’s County’s in-demand industries, giving these young people a real chance to envision and step into their futures. It’s a collaborative effort, and I feel grateful to be part of a team dedicated to empowering these incredible young individuals.
Ms. Roberts your Youth program is an excellent tool for your area youth–you provide guidance and a pathway for their future needs.
I have been working at the Private Industry Council, Workforce Investment Board, and the Workforce Development Board for 29 plus years. In my years as a Receptionist, Intake Assistant, and Program Assistant I have assisted all individuals from all walks of life. Our office works with partner agencies that serve Foster Children, Disabled Individuals, the re-entry population, Unemployed Individuals, Individuals working with the County System, Low Income, etc. Our job is to assist our partner agencies to assist their clients to have a positive outcome giving them a full range of services like Interview skills, Networking skills, Resume building, job search, and Training. Our AJCC’s job is to assist all individuals with employment services, give customers a place they can come to search for work, fax, email resumes, connect with our partners, connect with EDD, etc. My coworkers and I are a group of different people all with our own backgrounds and attitudes, but we all have a common goal and it is to serve the public-with respect and understanding.
As an In-School College and Career Readiness Coach in Harford County, I work with youth with a diverse demographic background such as Caucasian, Hispanic, and African Americans. The school I work at is a middle school and these youth are just being exposed to college and career readiness programs. However, many students have expressed interest in trade schools. The college and career readiness program gives each student an overview of various pathway options such as college, trade school, apprenticeship, military, and entrepreneurship.
The key resources that I use to share information is through teaching various topics to include decision making, time management, bias and career choice, and career exploration to name a few. I have a display table with college information and military, trade school and apprenticeship literature. In addition to face-to-face interactions during lunch to discuss resources and/or any questions they may have about navigating their career goals. My goal is to support each youth with their career journey.
I like that you are encouraging the students to explore more opportunities and showing them that there is more options in their future than just college or straight to the workforce!
The display table is a great way to get to know the students, while providing valuable information 🙂
I am certain that your many years of experience in a variety of roles have greatly impacted your ability to serve the needs of the individuals in your community. Your unique skill set and expertise provide valuable resources and tools to help individuals find employment opportunities. I think providing them with interview skills and resume-building assistance is crucial in helping them to successfully find employment. Since you have such significant experience with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, your customized approach to listening to their individual needs/concerns is essential. Great job providing meaningful and purpose-driven assistance to those in need.
As the Industry and Training Relations Manager, I collaborate with businesses, industry leaders, city officials, and education providers to identify skill gaps and training needs. Short-term, industry-recognized training is provided to meet the needs of businesses and job seekers, while also creating a talent pipeline for emerging industries in our area.
I work with diverse individuals, including opportunity youth, veterans, re-entry populations, English learners, low-income individuals, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers. Based on their unique situations and employment barriers, I use various resources to address their needs, For example:
• Food Insecurity: Referral to local food banks, community-based, and faith-based organizations.
• Justice Involvement: Referral to Legal Aid for expungement assistance and handling background questions on job applications.
• Supportive Services: Transportation, financial assistance for training, certification exams, and job search assistance.
• Job Search Support: Referral to our Job Seeker Services team for resume help, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
To raise awareness of emerging industries and training opportunities, outreach is conducted at high schools, community events, and through social media. Partnerships with community-based organizations and other entities are established. For example, with the anticipated increase in Biotech companies in our county, local organizations, schools, and businesses are being engaged to host a Biotech Fair in the Spring to inform the community about education and training opportunities and ultimately create a talent pool to meet the needs of the current and incoming businesses.
In my role, it is imperative that I use the helping skills identified in module one to create and maintain relationships to effectively meet both the needs of our businesses and job seekers.
As a Site Director for Center for Employment Opportunities, I manage operations within the site, working with justice-impacted individuals, specifically those who have been recently incarcerated. CEO helps people with justice involvement gain economic stability after release and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. CEO provides access to immediate transitional work, individualized job coaching, and job training. Our Job Coach helps with resume building, interview skills, removing barriers, and work readiness through professional development. Our Business Account Manager goes out in the community and finds businesses that are second chance employers or who are willing to learn more about becoming one. Our Retention Specialist supports participants for 365 days of their employment offering cash incentives for staying employed.
Formally incarcerated individuals face many barriers when re-entering society. These barriers include, but not limited to, financial instability, basic technological skills, housing, food access, transportation, education, mental and physical health, and obtaining employment. Although CEO is an employment service organization, we understand that there are barriers that come to obtaining employment. To assist with our population, we collaborate and partner with other local and national organizations, such as the food bank, mental health agencies, sobriety programs, parole, and probation.
Your work as a Site Director for the Center for Employment Opportunities is incredibly impactful and essential for supporting justice-impacted individuals. By providing transitional work, job coaching, and training, you help people gain economic stability and reintegrate into society. I appreciate your collaboration with local organizations to address barriers like housing and transportation. Engaging second chance employers through your Business Account Manager is vital for promoting inclusivity. Thank you for your dedication to this important work!
In our local area, the workforce participation rate is high (workers ages 18-66 are working) . Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the state. The job openings remain higher than the number of unemployed workers. The data suggests if people aren’t working, there may be barriers to employment.
People who come to our AJC often have multiple employment barriers: addiction, homelessness, justice-involved, disability, English language learners, and transportation issues. Serving these populations requires a strong partnership of community providers who work together for successful outcomes. We have adopted a “no wrong door” approach to community services. We have learned, that when we aren’t engaging customers past the threshold of a service agency, we risk losing them. When customers need additional services offered by another community provider, rather than giving them an address and instructions, our staff call, TEAMS, or text our contacts at each agency to connect our customers. We also schedule co-occurring appointments and co-case management meetings which respect the customer’s time and reduces barriers to employment imposed by our services system. By demonstrating our collaborative relationship with community agencies, we hope to create a strong support system for these customers.
Hey Ms.Powell!,
I both agree and admire the work you and your staff are doing trying to bridge the gap between jobs and unemployed individuals. Reaching out and relating to your clients on more than just workforce level definitely helps to retain them and keep them feeling like the company cares for their wellbeing. Having the patience and understanding to acknowledge that these clients may be dealing with outside forces keeping them from working is imperative in figuring out how to navigate through whatever issue it may be and getting the employed.
Good morning. Being in workforce development myself I understand the “out of the box” thinking needed to assist individuals in removing barriers. I applaud your idea to partner with the community agencies to co case manage. This concept provides wrap around resources to your participants to ensure they obtain all the needed resources for their success now and in the future. I will be sharing this with our leadership team. Great job!
Ms. Powell, I love the “No wrong door approach” and I too believe and practice this method myself in all the work that I do as a Disabilities Resource specialist. As I have mentioned before, I am a mother but also a mother of a special needs child. There are so many challenges and barriers individuals with disabilities must overcome and seeking and actually receiving services should not be one of them. In a perfect world, all my community partners that i work with would adopt this method. There are so many benefits from exercising this approach. It provides a framework for state governance and administration, helping to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively. It can create a single-entry point for individuals to access a wide range of services, reducing confusion and making it easier to find the help they need. It helps to eliminate duplication and gaps in services, it can streamline eligibility processes for public programs, making it quicker and easier for individuals to receive the benefits they qualify for. Overall, in my opinion the “No Wrong Door approach” aims to create a more accessible, efficient, and person-centered system for delivering long-term services and support.
I agree that if people are not working, there may be barriers to employment. I think its great that you work with clients of different backgrounds. I think it is important to have a strong support system and your organization sounds like they help clients in all aspects of their career development.
1.Create an original post and describe the major groups of people with whom you work and the backgrounds from which they originate. Identify the key resources that you use with this group.
My office is in Solano County, California. For the year 2022, the racial demographics are 38.9% White, non-Hispanic; 26.3% Hispanic or Latino; 14.4% African American; 14.2% Asian and 6.2% Mixed Race. This racial distribution may represent a great deal of racial diversity. For the year 2022, 92.1% of Solano County residents were U.S. citizens. There are approximately 30 employees in my office. All individuals speak English, though 10% are bi-lingual with Spanish as the other spoken language. The racial breakdown of my co-workers is 45% White, 14% Hispanic, 31% African American, 10% Asian. Most of my co-workers were born and raised in the United States in locations ranging from rural to urban settings. We are fortunate that we have placed a great deal of importance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in our interpersonal relationships so there are harmonious interactions with each other.
I embrace DEI and in dealing with my co-workers there are key resources that I strive to use. I do recognize that embracing diversity means to be inclusive and curious about differences, I am aware of my bias that I may not always be curious about differences and on occasion find myself not wanting to accept the difference as being beneficial. Therefore, being self-aware of my attitude and/or bias is a core ingredient of striving for multicultural competence. I can learn more about other cultures, points of view, values, and beliefs to decrease my bias. By self-reflection I can develop the skills necessary to interact with individuals whose cultural background is different than my own. Gaining knowledge of my attitudes and biases serves the purpose of understanding the negative effect this can have not only on the person I am working with but on myself as it can contribute to a hostile work environment and increase levels of stress. If I fail to acknowledge my bias, my perceptions of individuals may be influenced by that bias and inadvertently cause me to act in ways that are discriminatory. Being multicultural competent includes being appreciative and inclusive of all cultural backgrounds. I can focus on behaviors and the situation rather than the person. In addition to embracing an inclusive work environment, diversity brings different ideas, talents, and perspectives to the workforce.
Jodi, I agree that your approach to providing your students with continuing education, scholarships, training opportunities in the trades are extremely useful in pathways to career opportunities. Your focus on the one-on-one interaction for goals, ways to achieve them and planting seeds to match their interests to their pursuits is extremely useful. I would go one step further and have the students take Myer-Briggs or Holland Code assessments to identify their interests, passions and beliefs. The career development focus is great at such a young age, especially having students recognize their strengths and methods of setting goals. Your career focus is admirable. The one suggestion that I would make is on introducing multicultural acceptance. This would involve creating group breakout sessions where they can discuss their cultural diversity to bring awareness of their own attitudes, beliefs, and values in order to embrace the other cultures, practices, values, points of view, and beliefs.
In my work as an in-school youth Career Coach in Cecil County I work with a variety kids from different backgrounds cultures, and ethnicities. The county as a whole has a minority enrollment of 29% meaning a good portion of students may have differing economic or religious backgrounds. Cecil County public Schools has a reading, science, and math proficiency rate in the bottom 50% within the state which can probably be correlated with the lack of funding this district receives. Because of this I spend a portion of my day tutoring students and giving them any extra help they may need with these subjects. Despite the low proficiency rates with these subjects CCPS has a graduation rate of nearly 90% meaning these kids are simply being passed through without an adequate education. I want to ensure that my students are being given the knowledge needed in order for them to prosper and have a fair shot to succeed once they graduate high school. Throughout this school year i have interacted with a lot of students who do not have the best support system at home. Because of this I try my best to play a mentor/big brother role to these kids who may need extra support and motivation they do not get at home.
Your dedication to supporting your students is inspiring, and it’s clear that you’re making a significant impact in their lives. Addressing the challenges of low proficiency rates while also mentoring and tutoring shows your commitment to ensuring they are prepared for life beyond high school. It’s particularly admirable how you step into a mentor or “big brother” role for those lacking support at home.
I can relate to the challenges of working with students from diverse backgrounds and the need to fill gaps that extend beyond academics. Like you, I aim to empower youth with the resources and skills they need to succeed, despite systemic challenges. Your efforts not only provide immediate support but also help to build their confidence and future opportunities. Keep up the incredible work—your role as both a coach and a mentor truly makes a difference!
As an In-School Youth Career Coach at a high school in Cecil County Public Schools, I work with a range of students from various backgrounds. While my school is probably the least diverse in the county, it still showcases a variety of cultures and experiences that enrich our educational environment.
Many students come from low-income households, seeking pathways to higher education and steady careers. Additionally, a significant number are first-generation college students who face challenges navigating the college application and financial aid process. I also work a lot with students with special educational needs, ensuring they receive adequate resources and adaptations for their career exploration.
To effectively support these diverse groups, I utilize several resources including career assessment tools that help students identify their strengths and interests, guiding them toward suitable career paths. Doing classroom lessons, such as virtual reality activities, that provide students with firsthand insights into different careers and helping them make informed decisions. And apprenticeship programs that provide students with hands-on experience in various fields, allowing them to explore potential career paths to name a few.
By understanding my students’ backgrounds and leveraging these resources, I strive to empower them to overcome challenges and achieve their career goals, making it rewarding to see these students growth.
In my role as a Blueprint coordinator I work with the career coaches within the public middle and high schools in 3 western Maryland counties. The career coaches work with middle and high school students directly to assist in career pathway navigation.
The resources I use vary. I am able to utilize relationships I built with business owners to assist in scheduling tours. I also connect the school apprenticeship coordinator to business owners and managers who may be interested in establishing a state registered apprenticeship. I am able to offer interview and resume presentations to the high school students to aid in their career choice.
Hi – It’s inspiring to read about your role as a Blueprint Coordinator and the impactful work you’re doing with career coaches in Western Maryland. I think it’s great that you’re using your relationships with local business owners to create real-world opportunities for students, such as scheduling tours and connecting them with apprenticeship programs. It’s so important to give students exposure to the workforce early on, and these hands-on experiences can help them make more informed decisions about their careers.
I also love that you’re providing interview and resume presentations, it’s an essential skill set that will definitely help students not just with their career choices, but with their ability to stand out when applying for jobs or internships. Are there specific challenges or trends you’ve noticed in helping students with career planning? I’m curious if you’ve observed any particular interests or areas that are more popular among students in your region. It seems like you’re making a real difference in their career development!
In my role as a Workforce Development Specialist, I work with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds, which brings both unique challenges and opportunities for growth. The people I interact with come from diverse communities, including individuals from immigrant populations, refugees, and people from various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity reflects the broader makeup of the workforce in many regions, and it’s crucial in shaping the programs I design and facilitate.
Additionally, many of the people I work with may face challenges related to cultural integration, such as overcoming biases or navigating workplace dynamics that differ from their home countries. It’s important for me to be culturally sensitive, helping these individuals feel supported as they transition into new professional environments.
The diversity in the people I work with enriches my role, as I am constantly learning about different cultures and gaining new perspectives on workforce development. By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, I can help bridge cultural gaps and contribute to the success of both individuals and the broader workforce.
I believe we work with a similar population and would like to connect with you and possibly share some resources.
As the Director of Youth Services at Employ Prince George’s, I work with diverse groups. Youth and young adults, including high school students and out-of-school youth (ages 16-24), come from underserved communities and often face barriers such as limited access to education and transportation. Career coaches, who are dedicated workforce professionals, guide these youth through career exploration and skill-building. Community partners and employers from various industries support workforce development by providing opportunities and resources. Families and guardians also play a critical role by seeking ways to help their youth succeed.
Key resources I use include career development platforms like O*NET Online, industry-specific training programs through partnerships, supportive services such as transportation assistance and childcare, and collaborative networks that connect youth to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs. These tools and partnerships help remove barriers and empower youth to build successful futures.
I really like how you’ve highlighted the importance of personalized tools for each group you work with. It’s great that you use resources like the O*Net Interest Profiler to help both youth and professionals assess their interests and match them with careers. I also appreciate that you tailor your resources to the specific needs of your clients.
As the Job Coach here at Center for Employment Opportunities. I work with diverse groups as well as a diverse population coming from incarceration. Some individuals face barriers which limit them to either finding employment or keeping employment, such as legal appts. transportation, housing, child care or they may even have learning barriers. I work closely with outside agencies such as State Parole or county probation to help work with some of the individuals who are currently experiencing housing issues that are currently either on probation or parole. Key Resource I also use is Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) to help individuals with learning barriers that cannot read or write to help assist with the individuals job search, and DOR will refer individuals to Pride Industries where most individuals will be placed with employment through Pride. We also provide supportive services here at CEO as another resource to help participants with food, clothing or provide one or tow nights in a hotel. We also offer a several different trainings: forklift, flagger and CDL to help participants build a more successful future.
In my work, I primarily engage with a diverse group of individuals, including youth, professionals looking to change careers, and students transitioning into the workforce. The youth I work with are often in high school or early college years, navigating their first career decisions. Many come from various socioeconomic backgrounds, including underrepresented communities, and they are seeking guidance on career exploration, skills development, and educational opportunities. For professionals in career transition, the individuals I work with typically have a few years of experience and are looking to pivot into a new industry or role. These clients often come from various educational and cultural backgrounds and face challenges related to skill gaps or changes in their professional interests. Lastly, I work with students, typically in college or vocational programs, who are preparing to enter the workforce and are looking for help with job search strategies, resume building, and interview preparation.
The key resources I use with this group include the O*Net Career Exploration Tools, which help individuals assess their interests, skills, and preferred work environments. For the youth group, I also use the Holland Code Career Test to help them better understand their personality and match it with potential career paths. For professionals in transition, I often recommend LinkedIn Learning courses to upskill in areas of interest, as well as networking resources to assist in job search strategies. Additionally, I rely on job search platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor to help students and professionals explore job opportunities in their desired fields. Each resource is selected based on the specific needs and backgrounds of the individuals I work with, ensuring a tailored approach to their career development.
As a career coach at a middle school in Harford County, MD, I’m lucky to work with such a diverse group of people. It’s not just about connecting with the students; I also work closely with teachers, administrators, and local community partners. Each of these groups brings different perspectives and resources to the table, which helps make career development for students more well-rounded. We utilize resources such as the platform Xello to help students explore their interests, build important skills, and start thinking about their futures earlier and with excitement. The goal is to show them the many opportunities that lie ahead and give them the tools they need to pursue those opportunities with confidence.