This summer, Goodwill (in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Center for Career Alternatives) implemented an eight-week program to teach career and life skills to 40 low-income teens in the community.
Every morning, students learned skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and cultural competence. They also had lessons in retail and customer service.
In the afternoons, the Seattle Parks and Recreation staff taught students about environmental stewardship and care of open spaces. Students completed volunteer projects, such as the restoration of trails, in order to earn the 60 service learning hours required for high school graduation.
The program is funded in part by the City of Seattle through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Each student earns up to $1,300 for satisfactory completion of the program, which allows those who ordinarily have to work to participate in the program. ♦
For more information, visit www.seattlegoodwill.org.