As high school students get closer to graduation, the next chapter of their lives comes into focus.
The City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) provides high school students with internship opportunities. Goodwill offers a program called OneLife to students in Buncombe County Schools (BCS) to help them decide on their future career plans. Both programs help give students on job training needed for future success. Students apply to be a part of the OneLife program, and work with Goodwill employees throughout the school year. Once summer rolls around OneLife students participate in paid internships that are specific to their interests.
“Goodwill pays the students up to 100 hours during the summer,” said Mark Roberts, OneLife Coordinator. “This year we were able to pay the students $13 an hour. We’ve also helped them with resume building, how to apply for jobs, interview skills, money management, and healthy relationship skills.”
This year, OneLife has close to 75 participating BCS students. Many of those students expressed interest in engineering, which opened the door to a new partnership.
“We are happy to work with Blue Ridge Power this summer,” Mr. Roberts said. “We hope next year to add more options for students. It’s great watching the students at the various internships as they grow and learn from real world professionals.”
For some the experiences gained through the Goodwill program help guide their career path. One intern said she is thankful for this opportunity.
“This has been a great first job for me to learn and grow in,” said rising eleventh grader Alyssa Mayberry. “I am learning more than just how to work with kids at the Asheville Museum of Science summer camp. I have learned how to budget for an organization and more about science, which I love. I would recommend the OneLife program to anyone considering the program.”
After the internships end this summer some students such as Alyssa have been offered jobs only helping further their career choices.
