Goodwill’s Second Session of Summer Youth Program Off to a Busy Start!

The second session of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s popular Summer Youth program is off to a busy start. During the first week of the program, students attend classes at the organization’s corporate headquarters  and focus on topics like professionalism, teamwork, business ethics, communication, networking, problem-solving as well as the practical aspects of filling out applications and putting together a resume.   The following four weeks of the summer session will provide on-site community work experiences at a host of area companies including TJ Maxx, Marshalls and AMC Theater. When students were asked about their thoughts about the Goodwill Summer Youth program, they all responded with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Throughout the two summer sessions, Goodwill will serve more than 100 students during the transition program.   The program is designed to provide students with a variety of team building and vocational exploration experiences structured to help them gather information about the world of work. The program is made possible through our valued partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

As part of the Summer Youth program, each student has the opportunity to learn work appropriate skills during the beginning of the program and then, actually participate in an interactive work simulated experience in the community on typical job sites. After their community job try-outs, each student reports back to their counselor through Goodwill partner agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, regarding their work experience and their job preferences.

This year’s Summer Youth Program participants will have the opportunity to experience a variety of different community worksites and will be transported and supported by Goodwill team members at all locations. A variety of work opportunities are explored including entertainment, landscaping, food service, day care, retail, warehousing and janitorial just to name a few. Worksites  are spread across the Greater Cincinnati community and offer the chance for students to fully become engaged in the different aspects that each employment opportunity presents. Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to all of our wonderful employers for their support in providing these important work opportunities for the students.