Optimism for the future prevailed at the graduation celebration for the Youth Center’s 3rd Annual Leadership Academy on July 23 in Los Alamitos. The non-profit center awarded certificates of completion to students after three weeks of intensive workshops designed to give a real world education of adult life beyond high school.
Partnering with educators, local business professionals and residents, the academy provided free training in seven workshops which included self and social efficacy, goal setting, auto maintenance and knowledge, financial skills, home economics, and career skills.
Carrying them beyond their time at the academy, the graduates were matched with mentors from the Youth Center Board of Directors and the community for guidance.
A representative from 72nd District State Assemblyman Travis Allen’s office was on hand and awarded certificates on the assemblyman’s behalf to the students, which will benefit them in building their resumes for future employment and applications to college.
“Looking at the website of the Youth Center’s Leadership Academy, I was very impressed seeing what these kids get to learn,” said Representative Elliser Silla. “They get to learn valuable skills that will help them well after high school.”
Upon completion of the academy, the graduates also walked away with a 2015 Leadership Academy Certificate of Completion, letter of recommendation, written goals, resume, professional photo, bank account (upon parental approval), a notebook on each of the workshops, and peer-to-peer friendships.
Of the bond they formed with fellow students, Liam Reece, 16, of Long Beach and a Los Alamitos High School student said, “I learned how to work well with others, which benefits my future with leadership skills. I just liked being with my peers and how we helped each other – how we benefited each other in skills for job interviews.”
Aside from graduates finding peer relationships valuable, Garrett Crosbie, 16, of Anaheim and a Liberty Christian High School student said he learned a lot from the financial workshop, a sentiment echoed by several of the graduates. He said it helped him get an idea of what he would face in the future, and taught him not to go in debt.
Lauren Cammiso, 18, of Los Alamitos who is going into her first year at California State University, Long Beach said, “One thing that stood out was where I learned how to write a check, record deposits and withdrawals, and recordkeeping.” About the career skills workshops she said, “I was surprised to learn the secrets to applying to jobs online. I didn’t know there was so many nuances that effect whether your resume gets viewed or not. Thanks to the Leadership Academy, I’ll definitely be able to apply what I learned when I begin searching for employment during my college years.”
San Francisco State University student Derrick Cabrel, 19, of Seal Beach also found the financial aspect as well as all the workshops valuable. “I learned different things that weren’t taught in high school like balancing finances, investing money, car maintenance and setting future goals,” he said. “High school is all about getting grades and they don’t teach you adult responsibilities. I learned that at the Leadership Academy.”
Learning about adult responsibilities was also on the mind of Los Alamitos High School student Julian Torres, 17, of Cypress. He said, “It really opened my eyes on how life will be like in the future. It shows me how different it is from being a kid, and transitioning into adulthood.” He said he learned everything from how to use a debit card and building credit to cooking and doing laundry to interview skills. He also liked the peer relationships he formed while in the academy and said, “It’s nice to be with other participants who have the same values and want to learn what I wanted to learn.”
Youth Center Program Manager Julie Rubin lined up educators and local business professionals along with a creating a complete workshop manual the students get to keep. “Our instructors were outstanding,” she said. “We are very grateful to each of them for being a part of this year’s Leadership Academy. Dedicating their time to our academy was simply amazing!”
Instructors included psychologist Shirley Wu, M.A., M.Div. for self and social efficacy, Anita Rani for goal setting with Dreamboard, Ben Brooks of Coastline Auto for automotive maintenance including how to change a tire and check oil, Staci Hornung of AAA for automotive knowledge including car insurance, and roadside assistance options. Financial advisors Jennifer Fontanilla of Oak Tree Wealth taught topics including budgeting and types of savings plans while licensed banker Josh Wilson of Southland Credit Union provided instruction on checking account and credit card management. Employment specialist Saria Salazar with Women Helping Woman/Men 2 Work discussed how to create a resume and the importance of social media while Orange Coast College Professor Emeritus Ann Harmer from Women Helping Women focused on interviewing skills. Co-owners Amy Loe and Teri Appleton of ChefTech Cooking School taught home economics and helped the teens make a full dinner with dessert.
Graduates will continue to work with mentors from the community. Mentors include members from the Youth Center Board of Directors Alice Melamed, Arnie Fine, Laura Herzog, Catherine Showalter, Eric Frankenberg, and supporters of the Youth Center including Scott Newton, Justine Kim with the Los Alamitos Police Department and Youth Center Band Director Tom Mitter.