Local Leaders Pay It Forward

CTI students are benefiting from a new program developed by members of the well-known “Leadership Philadelphia” organization. The goal of the initiative, Forward Focus, is to assist CTI students as they transition into new careers. For nearly half a century, Leadership Philadelphia has been mobilizing the talent of the private sector to work on behalf of the community. Through a series of intensive seminars designed to enhance participant’s civic knowledge and awareness, the experience enriches leadership skills.

The project provided CTI students with real work experience and critical soft skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. CTI students, Cherele Edwards, Vance Washington, Jackie Brown, Lamar Smith, Kimberly Palmer, and Da’Nae Brooks were selected to work alongside a group of ten executives from major non-profit and private sector companies. They attended five training sessions which included learning modules entitled The Hiring Process, Strategic Role of IT, Workplace Culture and Effective Communication and Personal Success, areas in which the students expressed the most interest.

They also had the opportunity to shadow an executive at his or her workplace. Students benefited from individualized coaching and feedback, and experienced how information technology supports business processes in organizations of varied sizes and types. The training sessions were held at various locations including Independence Blue Cross, Sunoco, and PECO. Although this program was not offered to all CTI students, those who participated agreed to share what they learned and “Pay It Forward” to their peers.

The success and effectiveness of the program were measured first with a Reactions Assessment provided after each module to gather measurement on the effectiveness of the module content. Then, through a Learning Assessment to measure how much the students advanced their skills and knowledge. CTI students felt that the program was a very positive experience that would help them successfully transition into technology careers. MCC will continue to monitor the students’ progress and assess the long-term impact of the program.

Education and Economics

Read this commentary piece by Karen Burgess which focuses on the need to help revitalize the region's economy and raise the skill sets of people in the community who limited access to educational resources and job training.

A Legacy of Commitment to Improve Philadelphia: Remembering Ernesta Drinker Ballard and James F. Bodine

MCC honored two dedicated leaders and volunteers, Ernesta Drinker Ballard and James F. Bodine, on April 27, 2006, at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. While paying tribute to Ernesta and Jim, the event will raise awareness of the needs of those living in poverty, and the need to train them for jobs in the modern job market.

During the cocktail party, MCC announced the launch of the “Ernesta Ballard Student Sponsors” and the “James F. Bodine Society”. The Student Sponsors will restart the sponsorship program MCC had in the past, which Ernesta grew through personal solicitation and guiding MCC. The Bodine Society is a newly-named group of donors whose planned gifts will benefit MCC.

Radian Group is a supporting sponsor and Parente Randolph LLC is the cocktail sponsor for this event. If you have any questions about the student sponsorships or need additional information, please contact Erica Siaté at 215-843-9373, ext. 327.

CTI Celebrates New Computer Labs

Corporate Investors were honored at CTI's "Cable Cutting" Open House on March 14. To commemorate their investment in the technology work force, donors Roy Hock and Lincoln Financial Group Foundation were honored for contributing brand new computer labs to CTI.

During the Open House CTI held a "Cable Cutting" and named the newly donated labs as students gave demonstrations of the equipment. CTI students were excited to show off their software, design, and hardware skills. As the evening ended students, board members and donors had the opportunity to network with potential employers.

Roy Hock donated 25 Dell flat screen computers and a high volume laser printer. The Lincoln Financial Group Foundation donated workstations and task chairs. The donations provided an overall improvement of CTI's technology as well as student education opportunities.

Senator Teams Up With STRIVE

Senator LeAnna Washington in partnership with MCC, has recently created a mentor program for STRIVE graduates. As part of the mentor project, Sen. Washington will coach graduates on interviewing techniques, workplace skills and personal development. “I am passionate about this program. It allows me to give back to the women in my district,” says Sen. Washington. “This is my project and I’m going to see that I make a difference in their lives.”

STRIVE graduates will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Sen. Washington’s office to further enhance their skills. The selection process for the project was based on two factors - how well the students performed in the program and the district in which they reside.

Positions Open Up for Direct Care Grads

As of December 28th, three Direct Care graduates, Annetta Stevenson, Chantel Hedgman and Eva Laywhyee are now employed full-time at PHMC’s Interim House West location. This is a direct result of a newly cultivated relationship with Sara Black, Director of Operations and Anita Williams, PHMC Hiring Manager.

Four more students are in the pipeline to be hired. In addition to Interim House West, MCC will be filling hiring needs at other PHMC facilities including an opportunity at their new residential facility for adolescent girls to open in Fall 2006. There are many opportunities for partnership with PHMC and we are excited about this wonderful beginning.