Tag Archives: Edgewood

2010 Graduates: Get a (Good) Job!!!

This May, about 1,000 high school seniors will graduate from Monroe County schools.  An estimated 750 of these will go off to college next fall.  Many of the remaining 250 will stay close to home and will need a good job as a new member of the full-time workforce.

The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative connects qualified young adults with entry-level jobs in the local economy.  We also teach them about the job search process and about what it takes to become a successful member of the workforce.  Franklin Initiative Graduation Coaches at each area high school work one-on-one with students to prepare them for life after graduation.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Franklin Initiative is holding the 3rd annual Employment Fair for Graduation Seniors.  At least 20 local employers from a wide variety of industries will be present to meet with soon-to-be graduates, tell them about their company, and accept applications.  Representatives from life sciences, manufacturing, banks, food and retail services, construction apprenticeship programs and others will be in attendance.  Ivy Tech and WorkOne will also be on hand with advice about continuing education and support for job seekers.  The event is open to seniors from surrounding counties as well, including schools in Morgan, Owen, Greene, Lawrence, and Brown Counties. Continue reading

Reality Store Prepares Kids for the Future

Students Participate in Reality Store

The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Reality Store is a fun simulation that helps 7th and 8th graders connect academic achievement with the kind of lifestyle they envision for themselves as an adult.  In the activity, students pretend to be a 28-year-old just starting out in their career.  They are assigned salaries based on their actual GPA, and can decide if they are married or single and how many children they have, if any.  Then, they proceed from table to table (staffed by Franklin Initiative volunteers) to buy housing, transportation, food, insurance, child care, etc.  Leftover money can be used at the pets, electronics, and vacations tables. Continue reading