Freedom Career Development Presents: The Bright Future's Teen Program

why it's important:

We must take the initiative to advise our children that they can obtain their dreams with guidance, persistance, and a great education. FCDC had found that there is a large problem that involves hopelessness in the minds and spirit of our teens in Dekalb, Fulton, Clayton, and Henry counties. In hosting volunteer sessions and one on one interviews in selected high schools we have observed that the students do not believe that their dreams can be obtained. Nor do they have an idea of what sacrifice is needed to reach their goals. The Bright Teens Program presented by FCDC will assist in guiding these students down the career path they desire. It is our job to provide them with a realistic view of what is necessary to obtain their goals. However, we must also encourage and provide them with a much needed support system.

the plan of action:

The Bright Future’s Teen Program is designed to mold and assist the teens of the following counties Dekalb, Fulton, Clayton, Rockdale, Henry. Services offered to each teen will consist of cultural exposure, interviewing, self-esteem, career development, and community service. The teens will be able to find their niche in life and will know how to hone their craft.
Objective:
Assisting those from ages 13 and up in gaining insight on continuing education beyond high school. The program has actively shown the community what opportunities are available to them through educational applications and the power of believing in you. The Bright Future’s Program desire's to also provide information on drug intervention and provide an outlet that will assist in the prevention of gang violence. A wonderful mix of encouragement, positive productivity, social interaction, and career development makes up Bright Future’s Program.

Program Description:
The Bright Future’s Program consists of the following services. The services are as follows:
• Goal prioritization – we aid our clients in structuring the steps needed in order to obtain a rewarding future.
• Decision- making skills - we cover the effects of bad decisions and what concerns need to be addressed in order to make a well-informed decision in any arena. Clients and counselors interact in role-playing exercises where various real-life situations are.
• Interview skills - We introduce various skills including appropriate dress, posture, how to relay a sense of confidence without seeming cocky, and how to read the interviewer’s personality as well as their reaction to answers given during the interview.
• Cultural awareness – Our trained professionals assist clients with improving their social skills by introducing them to different types of culture, outings to the symphony, international festivals that spotlight foreign countries, and art exhibits.
• Career Development- Assistance with narrowing what could possibly be the best career for each teen.
• Internship research – Introduction of the proper way to find internship positions that are in the field they desire to have a career in.
• Self-Awareness- Assistance with boosting self-esteem.

The services offered has presented the community with options that deter them from the fast lifestyle that the world presents as a glamorous alternative. Furthermore, our future goals consists of filling the void that some teenagers fill with the use of drugs and finding companionship in gangs.

Additional activities has played a large part in the success of The Bright Future’s Program. The activities planned will allow the teens to view a different side of the city that they live in. Venturing outside of their own backyard will continue to open new doors to a world of opportunity. Not to mention future will be offered that encourages team building and working well with others.

In our quest to provide the teens of the counties mentioned previously an estimated amount of 75 students have been serviced. There has been an increase of students committing to this program Moreover, an increase in support has taken place by graduation coaches at our partnered high schools. Out of the 75 students that we have worked with in the past foure years 80% has pursued a post-secondary eductaion.

how you can get involved:

Other's can help this project by volunteering administratively, hosting events, speaking engagements,fundraising events, and make financial contributions.