By Joan L. Boiko
About a hundred students from Palm Springs Unified School District’s high school academies will spend the morning learning about how to prepare for and maximize the benefits of internship, mentorship and job-shadowing opportunities at the second annual “Champions of Excellence” career training workshop at the Agua Caliente Resort and Spa on Nov. 7.
Produced by the Foundation for PSUSD and PSUSD’s Career Technical Education Department, the morning workshop will feature representatives from local businesses who are interested in long-term sustainability for their business and the future workforce of the Coachella Valley. Goals are to maximize student internships to advance workplace productivity, redesign business and student expectations and develop student internship protocols.
“Any business representative interested in learning about best ways to use interns to maximize their productivity and developing their future workforce is invited to join us,” said Foundation Executive Director Ellen Goodman. “Business owners, managers, corporate executives and Human Resources managers and directors can benefit greatly from their participation.”
“Developing young people to be college and career ready includes partnerships with local business, governments, institutions and non-profits,” Goodman added. “Preparing both students and businesses for successful internships can provide an exciting and demanding future, whether it is a good return on investment for a business or the development of college and/or career bound students. Internships are part of the formula for success — giving opportunities and access to students and businesses help to set the stage for good choices that will lead to happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”
The morning keynote speaker will be Dr. Adolph Brown, a master teacher, CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation, author and humorist, who talks about education and workplace issues. Brown, who overcame an upbringing of extreme poverty, violence and welfare, was the first in his family to graduate both high school and college. The father of seven has authored several books including “Championship Habits,” “Messages from Grandad” and “REAL TALK.”
The event will also include a panel discussion and table top discussions on various topics surrounding successful internship skills and expectations. A concluding luncheon will include the Champions of Excellence of Awards to local business representatives who support PSUSD Career Academies and provide internship/mentorship opportunities. The Foundation’s “Distinguished Citizen Award,” will go to Loni and Jerry Argovitz, who established the Jerry Argovitz Sports Institute at Rancho Mirage High School.
Business representatives who would like to participate in the Nov. 7 event, which will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. should contact Ellen Goodman at (760) 416-8455.
Joan Boiko is the Coordinator of Communications and Community Outreach for the Palm Springs Unified School District. She can be reached at [email protected] or (760) 416-6010.