Westminster Economic
Development Initiative has begun a workforce development and career exploration
program to help refugee students.
The program, called Launch, kicked
off on Oct. 9. It will assist refugee students in ninth
grade through 12th grade with computer skills, financial literacy, job
readiness training and college prep.
“We are launching our
students into their future,” Education Director Courtney Yonce said.
The program will be
held from 4:05 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays Lafayette High School.
Launch targets students who are English
language learners. Students will get the opportunity to develop organizational
skills, studying techniques, and writing clear and well-formed essays.
Homework help is also
provided.
WEDI has partnered
with various local organizations such as Mission: Ignite Powered by Computers
for Children, helping students learn the basic fundamentals of Microsoft
Office.
“Students will be
able to take home a computer at the end of the program. Through Sprint students
receive free Wi-Fi for the four years they are in high school,” Yonce said.
The business
incubator The Foundry is offering opportunities for students to explore STEM
careers as a part of the program.
“Our main goal is to
help students graduate high school, but also to set them up on the right path
for their career goals,” Yonce said.
Clients of WEDI will
also participate in this program by introducing students to successful
entrepreneurs and mentors.
WEDI
has collaborated with Buffalo Public Schools to ensure that students receive a
hot meal after school. By Bianca Moise and Jasmine Huntley