Birmingham O.R.E.“Operation Real Experiences”Helping the Youth of Birmingham

Unearth Interests inScience & Technology Careers

LocalPastor

Linking Youth with the Marketplace via local Faith-based Institutions

Youthin the Community

Adultsin the

Marketplace

CareerSuccess Productivity

SkilledEmployees

JobSatisfactionInnovation

Expected Outcomes for the Youth

School-based Learning Environment

Work-based Learning Environment

School School PerformancePerformance

Job Skill Job Skill PerformancePerformance

Home and Faith-based Environments

Personal Personal PerformancePerformance

Birmingham ORE:The Goals

Reach young people (13 to 18 years) in the Birmingham metro area in the summer of ’04

Create “the” new model for job shadowing that can impact other major metro areas across the U.S.

Birmingham ORE:The Goals

Equip young people withworkplace communication skillsand provide opportunities to explore the world of work

Begin an annual offering of these exploration experiences for young people through summer, church programs in the Birmingham region

Job Skill Job Skill PerformancePerformance

Grades K to 6

Grades 6 to 8

Grades 8 to 10

Grades 10 and 11

Grades 11 and 12

Beyond High School

School-based Learning Environment

63% of Alabama employers can’t

find skilled, entry level employees 75% of

employees are not satisfied in their current

work experience.

Current System

Unskilled Laborer Jobs

ApplicationDemonstrate Excelled Ability

(OJT)

Mastery & Certification

Demonstrate Specific Knowledge

Work-based Learning Environment

School School PerformancePerformance

Lead

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Mission: Complete the Links

Grades K to 6

Grades 6 to 8

Grades 8 to 10

Grades 10 and 11

Grades 11 and 12

Beyond High School

Identify Areas of Interest

Career AwarenessKnowledge of general Career

Clusters

Career ExplorationLinking Career to Workplace

Skill BuildingDemonstrate Hard Workplace

Skills

ApplicationDemonstrate Hard & Soft Skills

Mastery & Certification

Demonstrate Specific Knowledge

Job Skill Job Skill PerformancePerformanceSchool-based Learning

EnvironmentWork-based Learning

Environment

School School PerformancePerformance

Birmingham ORE:The Program

Proven methodologyIn use by the Heritage Center, Alabaster, AL

Modular formatInterest assessmentBiblically based instructions on work practicesInternet researchLife skills development and practiceMultiple days of job shadowing

Birmingham ORE:Expected Outcomes

Young people will become (more) motivated about their educationArea school systems will see a decrease in the number of high school dropoutsUniversity retention rates will increaseUltimately, the Birmingham region’s workforce will be stronger

Birmingham ORE:Timing and Schedule

Program to be announced when a sufficient number of partners are engaged ~ targeting early March ‘04Training provided to faith-based institution coordinators in April ‘04Programs offered to young people in June, July and August ’04Funding needed ASAP for development and meet the ambitious schedule

Birmingham ORE:The Partners

Lead agency (TBD)Supporting Players

Elected Officials (program endorsement)Faith-based Community (delivery)

• Regional Youth Ministers• Mission Birmingham• Greater Birmingham Ministries

Heritage Center (curriculum & product)TechBirmingham (marketplace & marketing)Central Alabama’s Promise (support)

“… My Career Success job shadowing experience has changed my life … Now I know what I want to do and I’ve got to go to college…”

David Robertson11th Grade

Gardendale HS

“We needed this experience (Job Shadowing) back in middle school…”

Saroj Hardit12th Grade

Bessemer, AL

“What did you do to my kids? … they're on fire!!!”(with job shadowing)

Mr.. Rodney KennerAssistant Superintendent

Tarrant HS

Personal Testaments

About theHeritage Center

A faith and community based agencyAccomplishments in the last five years include:

Impacted 12,000 local youth and leveraged $5.6MM in resources$1.43 to $3.00 return on investment to employersDemonstrated the only successful Faith-based lead School-To-Career program in Central AlabamaSustainable High School Research & Science Centers in 2 local school systems Career Success Interns receive 89% job readiness rating from employers90% college attendance among youth participantsDeveloped and initiated the Career Success Gear-up program

Parental Involvement in Discerning Student’s Interest

ExplorationLinks Interest to Career Path & Skill Requirements

Skill Building Preparation & Exploration

Application Internships & Re-evaluation

Master & CertificationEmployability &Life Long Learning skills

Awareness Links Interest to a Career Clusters

Heritage Center’s Steps to Success

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