United Way African American Leadership Participate in Speed Career Mentoring Program with Graduate Greenville Students
Speed Career Mentoring is a unique project between members of United Way’s African American Leadership (AAL) and high school students enrolled in a summer enrichment program provided by Graduate Greenville.
On July 21st at Southside High School and on July 22nd at Berea High School, AAL members held round table sessions with small groups of students to tell the students about themselves, explain their careers (what they do each day in their jobs), and allow students to ask questions. After each session, AAL members switched groups until each group of students had heard all the presentations.
The goal of the event was to show students what is truly possible, and open their minds to the career possibilities that are out there for them if they work hard and follow through on their education. It also provided African-American Leaders in the community with the opportunity to give back by helping to shape the future for students in our community.
About United Way African American Leadership
This group continues to recognize the contributions of African Americans who make a significant, positive difference in the community. African American Leadership in our community are committing time, energy and financial resources to build a strong community. African American Leadership is made up of those who contribute at $1,000 or more annually through the United Way campaign.
About Graduate Greenville
United Way of Greenville County, Greenville County Schools, and The Alliance for Quality Education established GRADUATE GREENVILLE, with the goal of raising the most recent Greenville County graduation rate to 85%.
About the Graduate Greenville Summer Enrichment Program
The summer enrichment program was held at five high schools during four weeks in July from July 6 - July 31. Students in the summer program are rising 9th graders at one of the five Graduate Greenville high schools (Berea, Greenville, Greer, Southside, and Travelers Rest High Schools). Students were identified for the program based on recognized criteria for identifying potential dropouts (behavior, poor attendance, low grades in math and Language Arts, being overage for their grade level). Administrators, counselors, and teachers at the feeder middle schools were asked to help identify students fitting these criteria who will respond to the help and support offered by Graduate Greenville. There were 125 students enrolled in this year's program. Last summer, programs were held at Berea, Greenville, and Greer High Schools with 17 students at each site. More than 75% have been promoted to the 10th grade the next school year.
