​Truman Students Discover Career Options

Planning for the future can be daunting, but the Bucks Youth Workforce Program’s High School Summer Mentorship Program is helping rising high school seniors explore their educational and career options. In July, eight Truman High School students were selected for the program and began their internships in various department at Bucks County Community College.

The Bucks County Community College Youth Workforce Program is offered to 12th grade students from Quakertown, Centennial, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Morrisville and Bensalem School Districts. The program is made possible through Bucks County Workforce Development funds.

The Mentorship Program offers participants paid work experiences, a focus on college and workforce readiness, and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials. This is the second year that that Truman students have participated in the program that began in 2016.

Truman Counselor Rachel Zawisza and Transition Coordinator and Special Education teacher Mae Fernandez recommended student workers prior to the end of the school year. Students were paired with mentors based on positions available at the college and student interest. The In-School Youth grant is funded by the Bucks County Workforce Development Board and pays for student wages, lunches and transportation for the four-week program.

“Bucks County Community College is committed to transforming lives through education,” said Christine Harvie of the college’s Center for Workforce Development. “This program directs students to opportunities they might not have been exposed to, such as going to college or working in a professional environment.”

During the school year the students receive certifications in specific areas of training. According to Ms. Zawisza, a number of Truman students have chosen to pursue is OSHA (Industrial Safety Training) certification.