FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Patrice Dyer
Caribbean Vibes Marketing
(954) 560-0285
Email: patrice@caribvibes.com
08/16/2011
THE GREATER CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REITERATES IT’S COMMITTMENT TO GIVING YOUTH THEIR FIRST BREAK
(August 16, 2011) Oakland Park, Florida -- On August 11, 2011, State Representative Hazelle Rogers, District 94 congratulated the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) for its continued commitment to youth and for engaging partnership with the Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill Chambers of Commerce. The Chamber reiterated it’s commitment to educating tomorrow’s business leaders today during its recent summer student internship awards and recognition program which was held on Thursday August 11, 2011.
Employers, community partners, student intern, mentors and parents attended the annual summer student internship awards and recognition program which was held at Donnas’ Restaurant and Lounge in Lauderhill. Seven young people were given certificate after completing the 7 week internship program. The program also included a two day Life Skills Seminar which focused on public speaking, money management, conflict resolution, motivation and etiquette. The intern’s ages 14 through 17 attends Boyd Anderson High, Coconut Creek High, Coral Springs High, Deerfield Beach High, Piper High, Silver Lakes Middle and South Plantation High. The businesses which served as internship sites were also recognized for their invaluable service and includes; Beacon TV, Jamaica National Money Transfer, McKinley Insurance Services, Pearle Vision, Amerika Gas Station and Golden Krust Bakery. Each student intern also received letters of commendations from their respective employers.
The interns had the opportunity to share some of what they learned during the 7 weeks program, introducing each other and speaking about how important their workplace experiences had been for them. Andre Lewis, the youngest who interned at Golden Krust Bakery in Lauderhill was praised for his enthusiasm. Lewis whose mentor during the program was State Representative Hazelle Rogers (the vision ere behind the program) shared his experience daily via email to his mentor. He was also lauded by his employer for his exceptional display of customer service during internship.
“My vision for the program was to ensure that during the summer and as the world turned and the economy remained unstable that our bold and beautiful students would be engaged in a program that prepared them for that one life they must live and our business partners did prepare them to compete” said Rep. Rogers.
“Clearly, these individuals understand the power of work experience to promote career awareness and academic achievement, and are prepared to make long-term investments in the well-being of our young people.”
President of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lettman spoke about the importance of workplace internships as invaluable opportunities for young people to master 21st century career skills, and also trumpeted the positive impacts that young people can have on workplaces and employees.