Youth Initiatives - Building Bridges from School to Work

A viable education system that supports a strong local workforce is one that engages the business community in a true public/private partnership. We believe that this engagement should support a continuum of education that begins at birth and extends through the workforce of tomorrow. Partnerships, initiatives and programs that support our goal include:

Collaborate with several agencies to support our youngest children (ages 0-5), including: Durham's Partnership for Children and Childcare Services Association and NC Smart Start Program.  Quality child care and pre-school education- not only ensure that our youngest citizens are building a solid foundation for K-12 and postsecondary education, it enables parents to go to work. We participate in the When Work Work initiative and the Alfred P. Sloan Awards promoting flexible work environments, a huge benefit for working parents and guardians.

Our Durham Public Schools Partnership  is a vital link to align education and workforce with our future workforce. The Superintendent's Business Advisory Council provides direct communication between business and education leaders, while encouraging business involvement in the schools. The Chamber helps recruit members to this advisory council and is an active participant.

Educators in the Workplace allows businesses the opportunity to share information on careers and skill sets needed within their workplace with educators. The Chamber recruits Chamber members to host counselors and teachers at their work place. The information gathered can later be shared with MANY students, parent/guardians and colleagues, creating a ripple effect. Educators earn Continuing Education Units.

Along with DPS Career and Technical Education Career Development Counselors and Student Services Professionals, we have created and organized a Career EXPO for Middle School Students and their Parent/Guardians, an initiative to foster career discussions, create relevance in class work and assist with planning for high school. Career Professionals share information about their job and the education level needed to land the job. Click here to volunteer to assist as a Career Professional.

Actively promote Futures for Kids, an online career exploration program for Durham Public Schools' students, parent/guardians and counselors, grades 8-12, that provides virtual conversations with career coaches 24/7/365. Become a F4K Virtual Coach

The Greater Durham Mentoring Alliance was created to provide a one-stop resource for information on mentoring for individuals seeking such services for youth as well as those who are interested in volunteering to mentor. The Durham Chamber is proud to have taken a leadership role with Police Chief Steve Chalmers, Councilman Mike Woodard, community leader Steve Toler, with support of the City and County Governments of Durham, to help create the Alliance. The Volunteer Center of Durham embraced the concept and has moved forward with implementation. Their goal is to provide a mentor for every child in Durham who seeks one. Durham Mentoring, Tutoring and Career Exploration Organizations for YOUTH

Along with partners from Durham's Partnership for Children, Durham Public Schools and Durham Public Education Network, held a community breakfast April 25, 2007 to report on the status of education for Durham's children (Program Cover and Agenda). Watch for details on our second report -- Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Career exploration programs:  Durham Careers in Construction, Durham Careers in Hospitality and Durham Careers in Life Sciences - were created to provide long term solutions to workforce needs within specific industries. The Chamber is proud to have been involved in the creation and support of these home-grown programs.

The Triangle Society of Human Resource Management has adopted the Durham Chamber's Workforce Development programs for youth and adults. Their support keeps us connected to our best allies - Human Resource Professionals.

Showcase partnerships that are making a difference in education in Durham: Kudos to Durham Companies Building Bridges from School to Work!

Diploma and a Job Interview Day - annual event in May, is a partnership with DPS High School Career and Technical Education Counselors.  The Chamber recruits companies to interview (and, hopefully hire) high school seniors who are seeking fulltime employment after graduation. 

Support the Mayor's Summer Youth Works program.

Recruit employers to provide internships, apprenticeships & job shadowing opportunities.

Support other local workforce development efforts for youth - Durham Workforce Development Board Youth Council, Durham County System of Care, The Hill Center, Shodor Computational Education, Achievement Academy, Year of Opportunity (YO:Durham), Student U. and several more. 

Regional and State Education Partners support our efforts. High Five is a five county initiative to eliminate the dropout rate in the Triangle community. The are providing a seminar on How Parents Can Help Their Children Succeed in School, Oct 17, 2007. Additionally, the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program better known as C-STEP helps identify high-achieving, low-to moderate-income students and provides them with the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree and thereafter, enroll in a Bachelors Degree program at the University of Norh Carolina.

For Additional Information, Contact:

Kathy Hoffmeier, Vice President of Workforce Development, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce (919) 682-2133 ext 228    khoffmeier@durhamchamber.org