Workforce readiness, professional development program celebrates its graduates
Jun. 19—HENDERSON — Turning Point Community Development Corporation held a graduation celebration for the Launchpad Training Program on Friday.
The Launchpad Training is a one-week professional development and workforce readiness program for high school students. Upon completion, each student will be placed in a paid summer internship opportunity with local organizations for six weeks. This year is the first year Turning Point CDC has had the Launchpad training.
"Last year a lot of organizations were reaching out about having volunteers so we placed students last year in community organizations during the pandemic and we saw it was great they had the experience but we needed to help them fine-tune some skills. That's really where the Launchpad came from, a need to provide support and resources to our students before sending them into the workforce," said Chalis Henderson, executive director of Turning Point CDC.
The one-week training program consisted of hands-on training focusing on not only job skills but social skills as well. There were workshops on mental health, self-care, and leadership skills. Students will report back to Turning Point CDC in six weeks about their internship experiences.
"I learned a lot about social skills, how to better myself in the workforce, and how to become a better leader," said Launchpad graduate Kaya Devaughn.
During the ceremony, students spoke and demonstrated some of what they've learned during the training. City Manager Terrell Blackmon spoke at the event encouraging the students to always work hard and continue to learn.
