Capital Partners for Education (CPE) is a DC based nonprofit that aims to improve the futures of low-income youth by helping them receive a quality education, graduate from high school, and attend college. They are hosting their 10th annual career fair and financial literacy workshop on Saturday, April 16th and are seeking volunteers to help with the event. Regina Leslie, Director of Education Programs, took time out of her very busy schedule to share information about CPE, the career fair, and her work.
What does the CPE annual career fair look like? What types of opportunities are available? What type of students are you trying to attract?
The CPE Career Fair is similar to a college fair. Professionals from a wide array of career paths share their experiences with CPE students. During the morning session CPE students network with volunteers in order to learn more about their particular industries and what they as high school students can do to better prepare themselves for the working world. This first session is known as our “Business Card Challenge”; students are hoping to earn as many business cards as possible by the end of the networking session. After networking with volunteers, CPE students, volunteers and staff dine together and the afternoon is filled with student specific workshops. The CPE Career Fair is an event designed specifically for the students in our program.
Are there any workshops? If so, which one are you most excited about?
There will be two grade level specific workshops during the afternoon portion of the Career Fair. CPE juniors and seniors will participate in a financial literacy workshop focused specifically on budgeting. Meanwhile freshmen and sophomores will participate in a Career Readiness workshop lead by employees of Robert Half International. I am equally excited about both workshops. The budgeting workshop is actually the third in a four part financial literacy series that we are piloting for the first time this year. The workshop will be led by members of Good Life Investments (GLI) a dynamic group of young professionals who are providing their enthusiasm and expertise on an entirely volunteer basis. “The students will learn the fundamentals of budgeting and why it is important for their future. The students will have the opportunity to create their own mock budgets, discuss different methods of budgeting as well as its benefits and finally play budget related games to emphasize its importance”, explained GLI member and CPE Mentor Racine Peters.
Additionally, our volunteers from Robert Half International have consistently provided a wealth of information surrounding professional and dining etiquette, appropriate attire, interview and résumé writing skills to our students since 2009. Having such committed and dedicated volunteers speaks to the sense of community and belief in our mission among our stakeholders. Our volunteers are an integral part of our program and allow us to provide amazing opportunities for our students that they may not otherwise encounter.
What does your day look like as Director of Education Programs?
My primary role is to ensure that the entire Career Fair goes according to plan. CPE truly is a team and we have an “all hands on deck” approach to ensure that even the smallest detail is accounted for. The Career Fair would not be possible without the participation of each staff member.
How can Examiner readers and DC metro residents support the career fair?
Examiner readers and DC metro residents can support the Career Fair by volunteering their time. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact me at regina@cpfe.org.
After the career fair?
There are many ways to support CPE which include becoming a CPE mentor or making a donation. You can also become a fan on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Comments