October 12, 2018
Blog Post
Local High School Students Attain Workforce Skills Through Opportunity Jobs Academy

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 12, 2018) – This week marked the beginning of the sixth class of the Opportunity Jobs Academy (OJA) at Edgewater High School. A community-based initiative of the Opportunity Jobs Foundation (OJF), OJA is an after-school program designed to introduce 16-18 year olds and other high school students to the skill sets they need to attain and advance in their first jobs. Twenty-five students are selected from a pool of applicants and undergo a formal interview process to participate in the eight-week course.

Utilizing a unique “real-world” curriculum, OJA provides practical workplace skills training, job readiness education and mentoring. The classroom curriculum takes each student from the initial job search process, applying for a position, interviewing, and ultimately succeeding in that all-important first job. Highlights of the course include financial literacy, resume building, and professional communication. Students also hear motivational stories directly from entry-level employers and community leaders, as well as work one-on-one with mentors in local businesses.

“Opportunities are plentiful in Central Florida for youth seeking their first job that often leads to a meaningful career. Opportunity Jobs Academy is designed to help high school students become proficient in the skills necessary to succeed in both the workplace and in life,” said Joe Kefauver, Founder, Opportunity Jobs Foundation & Managing Partner, Align Public Strategies.

This civic initiative is a joint effort by the Opportunity Jobs Foundation, City of Orlando, Orlando After-School All-Stars and Orange County Public Schools.

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