This summer, BGCSF had its biggest year yet in Workforce Development. As unemployment for low income populations reach record highs, BGCSF in collaboration with companies in industries, from Architecture and Construction to Technology and Design, worked together to expose our teens to key career paths in the Bay Area. Following is an outline of this exciting and impactful program:
Nibbi Construction and RMW Architecture
Our teens were treated to a day of interactive learning about architecture, interior design and the many facets of construction. The day began at the offices of RMW Architecture for an informal career panel on architecture and the necessary schooling needed to pursue a career. Teens were then introduced to a hands-on session where they learned how to create their very own CAD drawings on computers.
They also learned some basics about material and colors after which they designed the interior of their dream bedroom or bathroom. The second half of the day took place at the site of the new Exploratorium Museum at Pier 15. Teens suited up in hardhats in order to see the progress of the project while learning of the many highly skilled roles one can find at a construction site.
Wix.com
Wix.com custom developed a course for our teens on web design and e-commerce. Teens were guided through the process of conceptualizing a website and learned how to effectively manipulate templates in order to develop a working site. They also learned about search engine optimization and some basic elements of design and web standards.
Ideo: Design and Innovation Consultants
Ideo took teens on a tour through one of the world’s leading product design and process innovation agencies in the world. Teens learned about user experience and the importance of asking critical questions. Designers and Researchers met with the teens to share their educational and professional experiences and to answer questions. Teens came away with an understanding of what it takes to create a truly innovative product. Teens were introduced to anthropology, product design, product engineering, and management.
Presidio School of Management
At the Presidio School of Management, teens learned how to identify their own definitions of sustainability and the importance of the green industry. Teens even met with the President and listened to his career path and passion for sustainability. After the presentation, sustainable non-profits and organizations such as Cliff Bar coordinated with one another and met with BGCSF teens in small groups for 20 minute discussions. Teens walked away with the understanding that all careers in the future will have to consider sustainability.
YouTube
BGCSF Teens had the incredible opportunity to tour YouTube’s offices in San Bruno where they spent the day with young professionals. Teens heard the stories and struggles of YouTube employees in capacities that spanned from writers to music industry professionals, to computer engineers. Teens were given a tour of the YouTube campus and gained exposure to the corporate culture at a technology company. After the presentation, teens and presenters sat down for lunch at the YouTube cafeteria where conversation and questions continued.
Old Navy
Teens were invited to the corporate headquarters of Old Navy located in San Francisco for Camp Old Navy, where they learned about fashion design and the education it takes to pursue this path. They learned about the retail operations, loss prevention and in-store design, plus got an in depth look at Old Navy’s professional culture and inner business workings through highly tactile activities. Teens also experienced an impromptu group interview after which they were given feedback and pointers for future reference. The final activity was a professional dress challenge where teens had to pick interview outfits and explain their thought process. After receiving constructive feedback about their choices, teens were allowed to pick out a pair of flip flops to take home as a gift!
Throughout the summer program, teens were coached in job readiness skills. Attendees were required to dress professionally and follow the BGCSF Professional Code of Conduct which includes agreements such as no cell phones and arriving ten minutes early. Special thanks to the companies mentioned above for opening their doors and sharing their time, staff, and resources with our teens in hopes of inspiring teens as they consider higher education and a future.
