Career Tech Drone Class Makes Buzz

By Kendall S. Cable

Freelance Writer

Lincoln County, OR… At first listen it would appear bees were swarming Lincoln City’s Kirtsis skate park last Monday. Low frequency buzzes bounced off the heights and depths of the lunar-like cement structures. The sounds’ source, however, was not of the insect variety, but rather mechanical as seven students from Lincoln City Career Technical High School (Career Tech) guided their drones through the damp, coastal air.

As part of a pilot program, students enrolled in Career Tech’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses were presented the opportunity to learn about and earn licenses for flying drones. Divided into 100 and 200 level courses, students are introduced to such concepts as: knots, cloud clearance, visibility, drone repair, and mapping. Inside a brick and mortar classroom only, such subjects may glaze over an eye or two. With the addition of hands-on repairs and flying, student learning becomes interactive.

“Whatever we do here is fun,” said Teacher Chuck Getter. A pilot and PhD marine science researcher, Getter will use drones to teach Career Tech students ecology while working for the City of Lincoln City to map invasive species and monitor coastal erosion on beaches. “I am really trying to introduce high paying jobs in technology and science,” Getter explained. “There is nothing wrong with trade jobs that take as much training as this.”

By the end of a year, students may sit for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Drone License Test funded by the school, Getter shared. Said licensure would open job opportunities in areas such as mapping, videography, and study and monitoring of invasive species. As incentive to complete the program, students are awarded the drones on which they trained during several runs throughout the school year.

“It is cool,” Junior Jacob Helton remarked. “It is not something everyone gets to do normally. It makes it more interesting and makes me want to learn it.” Jacob served as the group’s mechanic (one of eight jobs available) during last Monday’s drone flight and repaired propellers, and switched out engines and batteries. He said he is interested in pursuing a job as a mechanic in the future.

Jacob’s brother, Tyler, concurred. “It makes it more fun,” he said. “Especially since I get to fly drones.” Tyler, a freshman, explained their cousin uses a drone to help film the television show “Gold Rush.”

To help keep the program growing Career Tech staff are applying for Measure 98 funding, which is geared at improving high school graduation rates. To learn more about Career Tech and/or the drone program, call (541) 351-8551 and/or visit the website at www.careertech.us. Community Services Consortium (CSC) is the parent organization of Career Tech, which is part of CSC’s Workforce and Education Department.

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Photo 1: Photo by Kendall S. Cable: Lincoln City Career Technical High School Student Seth Martin inspects his drone after a few flights while at Kirtsis skate park.     Note: (Student with blue hair)

Photo 2: Photo by Kendall S.  Cable: Trainer drones are used for students to learn how to maneuver and maintain. Teacher Chuck Getter said more expensive drones, such as the Phantom used for class, are easier to fly after learning on the drone pictured.

Photo 3: Photo by Kendall S. Cable: Lincoln City Career Technical High School Junior Jacob Helton serves as the drone class mechanic. Helton repairs propellers, engines, exchanges batteries and performs other duties to make sure drones are in working order.

CSC Youth Program Makes a Difference

Kennhy came to Corvallis and CSC from Southern California, where he was laid off from his bakery distribution job. Kennhy dropped out of high school to work entry-level, and worked his way up. He came to Corvallis with his spouse and two children, and recognized that he needed to get his GED before moving forward with his life. When he first connected with CSC, he had third-grade reading and math skills. At the age of 22, he had made a decision to better himself.

Within a few months, Kennhy raised his reading level while being tutored at the CSC Youth House. His progress was remarkable, and one day we started discussing books. We commented that he had made so much progress since he arrived. That’s when he said that one of the main reasons he was working so hard was so he could read to his young children. Specifically, he liked to read them Harry Potter. He said that it was good practice for him, and that his kids loved the story and hearing him read it to them. That was his motivation, and he took that to heart.

Kennhy has not only brought up his reading level and math skills - he received his GED and will be going to truck driving school. Kennhy has immersed himself in the community through volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, his church, and by being a positive person while moving forward with his life.

Celebrate: May is Community Action Month!

CSC is Community Action in Action!

CSC Helping People. Changing Lives.

On August 20, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which created a variety of programs, including Community Action Agencies, as part of his War on Poverty. He knew then as we know now, that the war against poverty must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.

Community Services Consortium, CSC was established in 1980 as the Community Action Agency serving people in poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties by promoting self-sufficiency for those of limited income, ensuring that all residents are able to live in dignity; by implementing innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished; and by providing support and instruction for everyone in need of assistance.

“Community Action Month is a wonderful time to honor and celebrate the impact Community Action has in the lives of families and communities across the country,” stated Executive Director Martha Lyon, “Agencies are successful every day in helping families achieve economic security. Given that the needs of each family and community are unique, Community Action is able to use a range of resources and programs to meet local needs in creative and impactful ways.”

CSC’s statistics underscore a positive impact on local neighborhoods. CSC helps countless individuals improve their lives each year by providing them essential services and life-changing opportunities through financial education and job training as well as making available affordable housing, Linn Benton Food Share, access to health care, energy assistance, Head Start in Lincoln County, and more.

Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services, CSC has been remarkably successful assisting the low-income veterans, senior citizens, families, children, and youth in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties to achieve and maintain economic security. As Martha Lyon attests: “Our staff is committed to their task of replacing disadvantages with opportunities because it is right, because it is wise, and because, in our hearts and minds we believe it is possible to conquer poverty in our lifetime.”

Follow CSC activities at www.facebook.com/CommunityServicesConsortium/ or visit our website to volunteer, donate or learn more about CSC programs and services: www.communityservices.us.

CSC Greeters Develop Skills; Discover Great Opportunities

If you walk in to Community Services Consortium’s Corvallis office, you will see a friendly face greeting you behind the desk. What you might not see is the story behind that friendly face.

Community Services Consortium has been working with the Department of Human Services to provide opportunities to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients to get job experience. The program requires recipients to get 20 hours per week of “CORE activities” – which is work experience, on-the-job training, or vocational training.

For some TANF recipients, this is difficult to achieve. Lack of job skills prevents them from finding work, which becomes a vicious cycle. CSC’s greeter program aims to give them an opportunity to develop job skills and gain experience in an administrative role without any previous experience required.

Greeters learn customer service skills by helping to direct clients that come in to the office. They also have the opportunity to learn important administrative skills like computing and software by working on small projects for CSC’s various departments. Additionally, they learn the important soft skills essential for job success that are sometimes overlooked.

“When you don’t have much work experience, it’s hard to know how to prioritize. For example, we try to help our greeters balance work and family obligations. You can’t always take the day off because there is a family issue, so we try to help them figure out ways to deal with those issues so they can also be successful at the work they are trying to do.” said Susan James, Linn Benton Food Share Gleaner and Volunteer Coordinator.

The program has worked very well so far, with greeters finding local, well-paid administrative jobs. One greeter recently accepted an administrative position for Samaritan Health.

Current CSC greeter Anastasia Archie is enthusiastic about her new role and all of the things she is learning in her greeter position. Anastasia comes to CSC without prior office work experience.

 “I really wanted to do office work, but it was incredibly frustrating because every position I applied for required experience. I even asked if they could just give me a trial period to prove I could do the work. No one would give me a chance.” she said.

“Working here has been such a great experience. CSC has given me the chance to learn the office skills I need to get the job that I want, and I’m learning what it’s like to work in a professional office environment.”

Archie also noted that in addition to her job duties, CSC has provided her with additional training resources, such as software and computing basics, that she can work on to increase her skill set and employability.

Training Teens for Tomorrow Program Provides Alternatives

Community Services Consortium has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam and the Lebanon School District to give at-risk students the support needed to complete their educations and a chance to gain valuable job and leadership skills in an innovative new program aimed at stopping cycles of poverty.

Photo courtesy Mark Ylen/Albany Democrat-Herald

The Training Teens for Tomorrow Program kicked off this month with 33 students participating. The program is made possible by a grant from the State of Oregon. The students were identified by the Lebanon School District as having a risk of dropout, as well as having potential for success in an alternative program.

Students complete mostly online classes at the Lebanon High School Alternative Education Center each morning, where instructors are available for support. The self-paced program works well for many students, with an attendance rate of 85%.

After working on classes, students focus on the job skills training portion of the program. Each student completes a 60-hour work experience, either volunteering at local businesses and schools or working at a job. The program provides pre-employment training, teaching good work habits and how to be a good employee.

After completing the Training Teens for Tomorrow program, students can transition to a workforce program where they create a post-secondary plan. The Beyond LHS program involves a paid 120-hour work experience and opportunities to earn college credits.

“The goal is for every student to complete their education and get the skills they need to participate in the workforce, which is critical for nipping poverty in the bud.” said Denise Downer, Principal Youth Advisor with Community Services Consortium.

To learn more about the program, click here to read the feature story in the Albany Democrat-Herald.

To support this CSC program please visit www.communityservices.us and click donate or contact Dee Teem at 541-574-2277 to talk about volunteering or other opportunities.

2nd Annual Garden Gnome Run a Success

Great fun was had by all at the 2nd Annual Garden Gnome Run on May 4, a benefit for the CSC Youth House Garden. More than 300 runners and walkers came out to support the Youth Garden, show off their clever gnome costumes, get a little exercise, eat some delicious crepes, and listen to the sounds of Island Joy.

Thanks to all of the wonderful sponsors below, as well as everyone that came out to enjoy the race!

Thanks to Sohel Kahn for taking some great pictures too!

To view race results, click here.

Workforce Investment Act Scholarships Available

Scholarships made possible through CSC are now available to eligible dislocated workers. Those pursuing programs of study leading to employment in the health care sector are highly encouraged to apply. For more information, view the questionnaire and scholarship description here.

Recruiting Now for the YouthBuild Training Program!

Are you between the ages of 18-21, need your GED or high school diploma and interested in construction, building trades, or energy conservation? Then YouthBuild is looking for you! This program is offered at no cost to participants. Eligible participants may receive financial incentives to participate.

Am I eligible?

If you are between the ages of 18-21, want to earn your GED or high school diploma, live in Linn County, and are drug-free, we encourage you to apply for the program!

How long is the program?

Six months to a year, depending upon how long it takes to complete your GED or high school diploma.

Where is it located?

The program is primarily located in Linn County. Transportation is provided from central locations in Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Albany to the worksites.

How do I get more information or apply?

For more information or to apply, go to our website at: communityservices.us/
education/youthbuild/ for more information or to download an application. You can also call Geoff Jaeger at 541-231-2896.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. CSC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Workforce & Education Provides Support to Dislocated Workers

CSC's Workforce & Education department recently coordinated with workforce partner agencies Linn Benton Community College, the City of Harrisburg, and three local employers to provide information sessions on February 25 to the workers affected by the February closure of Allied Specialty Vehicles/Monaco RV.

According to the Albany Democrat-Herald, the Linn County plant closed on Monday, February 10. The company would not disclose details or how many jobs were lost with the closure. Monaco was purchased by Allied Specialty Vehicles last May. The parent company plans to discontinue production of its towable vehicles.  It will instead focus on producing motorized RVs in Decatur, Ind.

The dislocated workers were able to learn and ask questions about opportunities for retraining, job search, advice, and job openings at another local employer site in Harrisburg, Isovolta, Inc.

Apply Now for Workforce Investment Act Scholarships

Need help with training or education for job skills, or know someone that does? CSC is now taking applications for Workforce Investment Act scholarships. Applications must be received by November 21, 2013 at 5pm. To access the application and more information, click here.

At-Risk Youth Raise Walls and Hope for Albany Family

The dream of home ownership is now a reality for one local family in Albany thanks to the nonprofit group First Story, Community Services Consortium’s YouthBuild program and local builder Hayden Homes. Luppela Sifuentez and her three daughters will raise the walls on their new home on Thursday, October 17 at 11:30 am. The home is located at 2035 Lehigh Way in Albany.

“Our partnership with YouthBuild allows us to build an affordable home while helping to transform the lives of young adults who have struggled and become disconnected from our community,” said Claire Duncan, Executive Director of First Story. “The YouthBuild program helps them discover their strengths and identify their challenges in a supportive environment that emphasizes positive outcomes. The students bring with them varied experiences with school, family and community, but they all have one thing in common: They are ready to learn.”

To qualify for the First Story home, Sifuentez went through a comprehensive interview and assessment process and was required to meet certain income guidelines. Sifuentez will purchase the home through a zero down payment and a zero interest 30-year home loan from First Story.

“First Story has done more for me and my family than give us a roof over our heads. First Story has restored my sense of dignity and my confidence that hard work and perseverance do make a difference,” said Sifuentez.

“We have an amazing opportunity to change the lives of these young people while changing the future for Luppela and her daughters,” said First Story Founder and CEO of Hayden Homes, Hayden Watson. “Hayden Homes remains focused on helping First Story get families like the Sifuentez in safe, stable affordable homes.”

DATE: Thursday, October 17, 2013
TIME: 11:30am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: 2035 Lehigh Way, Albany, OR 97322
ADDITIONAL: Photo opportunities will be available on site

About First Story

In 1998, builder Hayden Homes had a vision: to change lives through home ownership. That vision developed into First Story, a 501(c)(3) public non-profit, which is celebrating 15 years of service in 2013. First Story has served over 10,000 families though home construction, homeownership opportunities and community giving. Its mission is to promote giving and inspire communities through the creation of home ownership opportunities and financial support. For more information visit: www.FirstStory.org

About YouthBuild

Community Services Consortium (CSC) YouthBuild is a comprehensive program designed to provide apprentice-like opportunities for at-risk young adults ages 16 to 24 years old. Learning takes place in both the classroom, where students earn their high school diplomas or GEDs, and in the field, where students gain construction skills and work experience. CSC YouthBuild is a six-month to two-year youth development program.

About Hayden Homes

Hayden Homes has been building homes and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than two decades. Its vision is to provide the highest quality home for the lowest possible cost. The company is among the top 50 builders in the nation with communities in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

CSC Workforce & Education 2012-2013 Report Card Available Now

CSC's Workforce & Education department has released their 2012-2013 report card. The report card outlines the programs we run that provide a solid foundation for employment, enhanced employability, as well as self-sufficient employment. The report also includes key metrics on the success of our programs. To read the report, click here.

Natural Resource Youth Crews Set Sail Aboard Ocean Watch Research Vessel

Community Service Consortium’s Natural Resource Youth Crews, located in Lincoln City, headed out for a day of sailing around Yaquina Bay on August 2nd with Captain Mark Schrader and his crew on the Ocean Watch research vessel.

The day started with an on-board presentation by the youth crew about all of the great work they had done that summer. Youth crew members Sarjenka, Acela, Barbara, Andrew, Michael and Kail talked about their various projects, including rebuilding the ramp at the Port of Alsea, painting and staining the dock at Elk City, and clearing brush and blackberry bushes at various locations throughout Lincoln City. Then it was time to set sail.

Captain Schrader gave everyone a safety briefing and some history on his experience with the Ocean Watch boat. He was the Captain of the boat during its “Around the Americas” voyage, which was a 13-month, 24,000-mile circumnavigation of the North and South American continents to collect scientific data. The 64-foot yacht visited 31 ports of call. The boat has been docked in Newport for educational activities, including a 4-H Marine Ambassadors Camp held in partnership with Oregon State University.

It wasn’t just a leisurely sail for the youth crew members though – a few of them got some sailing lessons as they helped with docking duties and raising the sail. It was a fun, educational day for the youth crews. Thanks to Captain Mark Schrader and the Ocean Watch crew for having us aboard!

 

To refer a youth to the Natural Resource Crews or any of CSC’s Youth Programs, or to volunteer contact Macy Holmes at mholmes@communityservices.us or 541-574-2290.

CSC Natural Resource Youth Crew Wins Third Place at Toledo Wooden Boat Show

Robert and Shania row, row, row their boat

CSC’s Natural Resource Youth Crew won third place in the Georgia-Pacific Containerboard Boat Contest at this year’s Toledo Wooden Boat Show in August.

The crew’s cardboard boat beat out about 10 other competitors in the youth division. Many of the other teams had at least one paddler take a swim, but the CSC crew managed to stay dry. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and boat design skills!

Josh, Kira, Jordan, Robert and Shania celebrate their big victory

To get involved in CSC’s Natural Resource Crews contact Macy Holmes or Virginia Tardaewether at mholmes@communityservices.us or vtardaewether@communityservices.us. 

CSC Helps Couple to Achieve Their Goals and Independence

When they walked into Community Services Consortium’s (CSC) office two years ago, Ashley DeVries and Frank Aguilar had simple goals: a home to call their own for themselves and the baby they were expecting, stable employment, and reliable transportation.

Ashley was pregnant with Bobby and completing her senior year of high school at the Toledo alternative school, while working part-time at Mariner Square. Frank had graduated high school, was doing odd jobs for cash, and struggling to get his driver’s license so he could get a better job.

With no stable housing, they were shifting back and forth between Ashley’s grandma’s home and Frank’s dad’s trailer, with the added stress of securing rides to work and school and their “in-between” homes.

Ashley and Frank were excited to hear about CSC’s Youth Programs, which focus on helping participants complete their education while teaching them job-specific skills. They secured positions on the YouthBuild construction crew, where students gain construction skills and work experience by building, repairing or renovating houses for low-income families.

Ashley and Frank worked full-time for nine months on projects that taught them basic construction skills that they use today. Frank reported that they had “remodeled the bathroom at Dad’s house – we gutted the whole thing,” and Ashley used her mudding and painting skills on a repair project at work. 

“I loved the program,” Ashley said, “and if I could do it again, I would.” 

In addition to the construction crew, Frank successfully completed the 10-week Basic Welding course offered by CSC, which he says made him feel very successful.

“This was always my main thing, anything having to do with fusing metals. But when I took the course, it took a lot of effort to learn this skill. I realized that it wasn’t just fusing two pieces of metal; it was like an art, to bring two pieces that were never conjoined, to come together into one piece, and do it the same way every time and with your own unique style,” he shook his head, remembering.

“It took a lot of ‘mind strength’ you know: to show up early every day and work hard. And we weren’t getting paid, but we were getting paid in skills, not money.” Frank still has the goal of a permanent job as a welder.

Frank and Ashley were referred to CSC’s Housing & Emergency Assistance Department for help with their housing needs. They successfully completed the Tenant Assistance program, which helped them secure their first apartment and receive the guidance of a case manager to set goals. They both agree that the help this program gave them was invaluable.

Ashley commented, “It gave us a chance to get our first place and I was able to stay home with Bobby for his first eight months.” The structure of the program, especially the monitoring, “kept us on our toes, alert, and on top of everything,” said Frank, and helped them to stay on track with their goals.

They remarked specifically on the classes offered as part of the program—the energy class and the low-budget cooking class, which were very helpful. For Frank, being able to save to get his license back was a huge accomplishment. “Being in the program helped me pay off my fines and finally get my license,” Frank said, who now has his driver’s license and the freedom it brings.

Ashley and Frank recently moved to California, where they live close to Frank’s family. They have a house, and are expecting their second child. Frank is working and Ashley is a stay-at-home mom, which she loves. The young couple is truly a success due to their desire to improve their circumstances, their hard work, and the support of CSC’s skill-building programs that give young people tools for life!

To learn more about CSC’s programs and services visit us on the web at www.communityservices.us and like us on Facebook.

CSC Career Tech Charter High School to Expand to Newport

To see the News Lincoln County feature on this story, please click here. 

Career Tech Charter High School is excited to announce that the Lincoln County School District Board has unanimously approved renewal of its charter with Community Services Consortium, along with approval of a new satellite campus in Newport. The charter includes a 20-student increase to Career Tech, bringing its enrollment capacity from 60 to 80 students in three locations.

Career Tech is a public charter school that provides an educational alternative for youth who have had difficulty finding success in the traditional school environment or who are seeking an alternative approach. The school provides individualized instruction in small classes and the opportunity to develop positive relationships with teachers and adults in the community through hands-on work.

“We started exploring the possibility of opening a campus in Newport last year, because we felt that we could fill a need for educational alternatives in central Lincoln County,” says Sean Larsen, Career Tech principal and manager of youth programs for CSC’s Workforce and Education Department.

Career Tech serves 40 students at its original location in Lincoln City (in Lincoln Square on the 4th floor of the City Hall building); partners with Angell Job Corps in Yachats to serve another 20 students; and will now serve 20 students at the new satellite campus in development in Newport this fall.

The Newport satellite campus will utilize existing Career Tech curricula and will offer apprenticeship-like opportunities to students through CSC’s Natural Resource Crews, which will become a program of the school, and a construction program modeled after YouthBuild, a nation-wide job training and leadership development program. CSC has successfully operated a YouthBuild program in Linn County for 13 years.

 “Through these programs, students will have the opportunity to access job readiness and occupational skills training alongside their academic preparation, “says Larsen.

For more information about Career Tech Charter High School or Community Services Consortium, visit our websites at www.careertech.us or at www.communityservices.us. More CSC news may be found at our News Blog at http://communityservicesblog.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook.

Apply Now for CSC Workforce Training Scholarships

Community Services Consortium is offering one-time workforce training scholarships for training opportunities to residents of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.

The scholarships are funded through the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program administered by CSC’s Workforce & Education Department in our three-county area.  Applicants and training programs must meet WIA eligibility requirements.

All requirements are outlined in the application and must be met to be eligible for scholarships, which can include awards up to $5,000 per eligible training.

Applications must be received at the Linn Workforce Development Center by March 14, 2013, at 3:00pm.

To learn more about the scholarships and to see if you might be eligible, visit CSC’s website at http://communityservices.us/jobs/scholarship-award/.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support this project or any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

CSC Youth Garden Takes Part in Terra Madre Day

On December 1, more than 400 people braved a dreary day to taste the culinary craftsmanship of 30 Willamette Valley vendors, including the CSC Youth Garden, at this year's holiday-themed Terra Madre Day event. Sponsored by Slow Food Corvallis and Ten Rivers Food Web at the Benton County Fairgrounds, the international event celebrates eating locally and honoring local food communities.

Javier, Bri, Colton and Armand display their table of goodies at the Terra Madre Day event.

The CSC Youth Garden crew members helped spread some holiday cheer by selling and handing out samples of hand-grown and hand-made, giftable items like jellies, preserves, barbeque sauce, salsa, dill relish and dried beans at their booth - all popular sellers. Luckily for those that couldn't make it to Terra Madre Day, some items are still available. 

If you would like to stock your pantry or stuff your stockings with some delicious food grown and made by our hard-working CSC Youth Garden team, stop by the office (536 SW 2nd Street in Corvallis) or call 541-758-2776.

The CSC Youth Garden is a program of the Workforce and Education Department of Community Services Consortium (CSC), a community action agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties. The CSC Youth Garden charges 4-10 youth per season with the responsibility of caring for 40 raised beds without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Herbs and veggies are sold at our spring, summer and fall farmers' market stands, and a portion is donated to the Linn Benton Food Share.

Siletz Tribe Supports CSC Youth Crews

A generous grant of more than $4,500 from the Siletz Tribal Contribution Fund has enabled 36 Lincoln County youth to participate in vital natural resources restoration projects. The Lincoln County Natural Resource Crew program, run by Community Services Consortium, used the funds to buy supplies for projects that also provided 9,952 combined hours of job training and educational support to participants.

Program participants executed a number of vital environmental projects, including planting in damaged riparian zones throughout Lincoln County, seed gathering, supporting Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on projects aiding threatened species, creating community garden spaces and trail building and maintenance.
 
Many thanks to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for providing such a huge benefit to both the youth and environment of Lincoln County!  

You can read more in this article by the Newport News Times.

CSC Career Tech Whiz Kid Banking on Business Education

Star Carrera (left). Photo by Jim Fossum/News Guard

By Jim Fossum, The News Guard

Estrella "Star" Carrera attended Career Tech High School to help identify a business she might be interested in pursuing, and — for the time being, at least — she's done that.

Some day, she hopes to own one.

Barrera is among a group of middle- and high school-age students or recent graduates who have taken advantage of the Neighbors For Kids' Youth Entrepreneurship Program designed to open doors for aspiring youth to get started in the business field.

"My dream is to one day own a business," said Barrera, who has developed “Starlicious Cookies and Treats.” “So, it's definitely shown me that you need a lot of effort and help from all the people you can get. It's showed me how to manage a business, how to actually run a business."

The second-year program, which utilizes skills and business practices learned from Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE, pronounced nifty) curriculum, is designed to inspire youth from low-income communities to recognize lucrative financial opportunities and plan for successful futures.

For the full story, pick up the Sept. 12 edition of The News Guard or read it online.

 

Note: The News Guard article mispelled Carrera's last name with a "B" instead of a "C".