Stamford's Future 5's Job Prep Workshop Has Kick Off

Stamford Mayor David Martin recently visited with the student members of Future 5, a Stamford-based nonprofit that helps low-income high school students in Stamford, graduate and connect to a better and sustainable education and career path.

The Jan. 8 event with Martin kicked-off the sixth year of Future 5’s popular and vital Job Prep workshop. This workshop provides the students with six weeks of “soft skills” training for the workplace – communication skills, professionalism, work ethic and teamwork.

Job Prep graduates then qualify for visits to Stamford corporations, job shadowing and internships. Future 5 provides each of them with ongoing coaching help for after school and summer job searches – including resume help, mock interviews and search strategies. Historically, about 95 percent of Future 5 graduates are successful in landing part-time jobs, including jobs through the Mayor’s Youth Employment program.

Martin met with about 25 students along with a number of volunteer coaches and staff. He discussed his own education and career path, the importance of an educated, youthful workforce in Stamford, qualities of a successful employee, the Mayor’s Youth Employment program and the future employment outlook in Stamford.

Martin explained he believed that what is critical to be successful when becoming part of the workforce is to “be reliable and be engaged”. He stressed to the students that it is important to communicate this to a prospective employer in an interview and most importantly show it on the job. He also answered some questions from the students related to his job as mayor and his visions for the city’s future.

Before being able to move on to Future 5’s Job Prep workshop, students must complete the required “Here2There” workshop, which focuses on the importance of motivation, commitment, self-control, overcoming gremlins and concludes with students creating a personalized game plan for their future. Currently there are 115 Future 5 members.

Prior to Martin’s visit that afternoon, students participated in Future 5’s weekly Brain Wave session – a lively and spirited Trivial Pursuit-type game designed to test students’ knowledge of current events and the world around them. Led by executive director Clif McFeely, students competed for points by answering questions on topics trending in the news. “It’s important for the students to be involved and engaged, not only during our workshops but with what’s going on out in the world. Brain Wave helps in a challenging and fun way,” said McFeely.

FUTURE 5 helps motivated, low-income high school students in Stamford connect to their full potential, with a focus on graduation and enrollment in two- and four-year colleges and/or trade schools.

Contributed photo.