United Way of Summit & Medina’s focus on college and career readiness provides hands-on learning experiences for students and strengthens the education-to-employment pipeline. By teaching students the soft skills they need to succeed in college and employment, we are paving the way for their long-term success. Ready for your company to get involved? Join us below to learn how partnering with United Way of Summit & Medina is a win for students, local businesses, and our community!
Importance of Career Readiness
Business leaders can quickly recognize when their new hires lack career readiness. These are employees who communicate poorly, struggle to adapt to changing circumstances, bring an unpleasant attitude to those around them, and more. They have the practical skills to complete a job but lack the soft skills that make them an ideal employee. Some examples of career skills include communication, time management, and critical thinking. While every employee will have different strengths, they must all have a general understanding of these soft skills to maintain productivity and protect your bottom line. Additionally, when everyone is operating from a place of career readiness, your company will have a professional and positive work environment.
The importance of career readiness cannot be understated, yet some students struggle to master these competencies. This is where United Way of Summit & Medina steps in with the help of our dedicated business partners. Together, we can write a new story for the young professionals in our community. Keep reading to learn how!
How United Way Helps
United Way’s College & Career Academies of Akron (CCAA) prepares high school students with the soft skills needed to be successful in college or their future careers. Whether students are starting a degree upon graduation or entering the workforce – we want them to enter their next chapter with professionalism and confidence. Our team accomplishes this by connecting local businesses with high schools in the area, creating opportunities for career and skill development.
Students
Students involved with CCAA not only learn about examples of career skills, but they get to see these skills in action through tours, shadowing, and internships. This makes a big difference for students in many ways. For example, students may already believe they are good at communicating or time management, but then find they could have been better prepared once out in the “real world.” By practicing career-ready competencies before graduation, students can grow their skills in a safe environment.
Businesses
Local businesses and organizations also benefit from partnering with CCAA. First and foremost, they have the opportunity to develop the local workforce to meet their company’s needs. If there is a skill that is consistently lacking in younger hires, businesses can address the root cause and teach those skills to students. Additionally, working with United Way will produce volunteer opportunities for current employees – boosting employee satisfaction and retention. Finally, companies that invest in our youth are known as community leaders – and that is always good for business!
Educational Partnerships and Opportunities
Are you interested in partnering with United Way of Summit & Medina to prepare local students for the workforce? It’s important to make a commitment that fits your business. College & Career Academies of Akron (CCAA) allows for various degrees of involvement and we celebrate any level of partnership a local business can offer. From speaking at events to ongoing mentoring relationships, any support from our community means the world to our students. Below are some examples of how your business can get involved.
Guest Speakers
Local business partners are always welcome guests at CCAA events. Students enjoy hearing from professionals who are already in an industry that interests them. Guest speakers share about their job, the skills needed to get there, the importance of professionalism, and more.
Industry-Specific Mentoring
Students who know what line of work they are interested in benefit greatly from industry-specific mentoring. If you mentor a student or group of students, you can work closely with them as they navigate classwork, graduation, apprenticeships/internships, and applying for jobs.
Internships
Your company can also host an internship program, allowing students to shadow your employees, help them with projects, and witness professional competencies first-hand. Students with internship experiences tend to be career-ready upon graduation and are the most desired applicants at most companies.
Field Trip Destinations
Host students for field trips so they can explore your facility and learn more about your industry. Allowing students to see your operations in real life gives them a better understanding of your work and can spark interest in your industry.
Become a Partner & Support Our Mission
United Way Summit & Medina is always looking for new businesses to help us get students career-ready. If your company is seeking a way to give back to the community, we’d love to talk to you. Start your partnership with United Way today by contacting Sarah Palace at 330.685.9332 or [email protected].