Learn and Earn Program: Bridging Opportunity Gaps for Students

Learn and Earn Program: Bridging Opportunity Gaps for Students

Tue Sep 10 12:05:00 PDT 2024

Students get career guidance and a stipend that can be used for college or work-related expenses under this program.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education's Learn and Earn Program is making a significant impact on students at county community schools and juvenile court schools by pairing them with experienced mentors who guide them on a path toward success. This program not only provides students with valuable life lessons and career guidance but also offers a stipend that can be used for college or work-related expenses, helping to close the opportunity gap for those who may not have access to such resources.

The Structure of the Program

Students in the Learn and Earn Program are matched with mentors who meet with them twice a week for five weeks. These one-hour session meetings can take place either via Zoom or in person, depending on the circumstances and preferences of both the mentor and the student. The program was established in 2020 and aims to assist at-promise students in gaining a deeper understanding of career opportunities available to them. LACOE employees volunteer to be mentors, sharing their personal career paths and offering students support. Students can earn up to $300 in stipends depending on their participation and attendance.

Meet the Mentor: Briana

Briana Manyere, a senior special programs assistant in the Transition Special Needs Unit at LACOE, aims to inspire young women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Briana mentored two students at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, aged 17 and 18, with whom she discussed various topics, from personal experiences to future aspirations.

Building trust and a strong rapport was essential for Briana. She created a safe space for her mentees by being open and honest and they connected over shared interests like makeup and beauty. Participating in the Learn and Earn Program has taught Briana the importance of sisterhood and empowerment. She feels a deep responsibility to guide young women toward success, sharing her own experiences and offering advice. Briana found the in-person interactions with her mentees incredibly rewarding. The program has brought her joy and satisfaction through her ability to assist these young women in their personal and professional development.

Meet the Mentor: Gloria

Dr. Gloria Martinez, a coordinator II in the College and Career Readiness AVID Unit, brings with her 30 years of experience in education. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher at a Catholic high school, an assistant principal at a public high school and eventually a principal at a charter high school. Throughout her career, Gloria has been passionate about helping students achieve great things with the right support. She focuses on getting these students college-ready, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

Gloria's approach to mentoring is thoughtful and strategic. She prepares PowerPoint presentations with questions to guide conversations with her mentee, ensuring that each session is structured and productive. Her goal is to give students things to think about, even if the mentoring relationship is short. She believes that a few weeks of focused guidance can make a world of difference in a young person's life.

The Mentee: Thomas

One student Gloria mentors is Thomas, a high school student at Mujeres y Hombres Nobles, with big dreams of becoming a chef. Thomas' aspirations are not limited to the kitchen; he also loves music, plays the guitar, and has taught himself through YouTube. He dreams of becoming an Eagle Scout and even working as a summer camp counselor.

In their sessions, Gloria and Thomas discuss a wide range of topics, from the difference between ordinary and extraordinary to practical advice on replacing bad habits with good ones. They talk about the realities of pursuing a career in the culinary arts, including the cost of tuition and the steps needed to apply to culinary school. Through their discussions, Gloria helps Thomas develop coping mechanisms and strategies for staying on track with his goals.

Thomas has found immense value in the Learn and Earn Program. Now in his second year of participation, he appreciates the learning experience and the opportunity to hear about the struggles and successes of others. The program has helped him stay focused and motivated, giving him the confidence to explore different career paths and educational opportunities. Thomas is now considering taking entrepreneurial or business classes to help him achieve his dream of owning his own restaurant one day.

The Impact of Learn and Earn

In addition to weekly one-on-one mentoring, the program features guest speaker sessions. LACOE invites experienced professionals from related fields to share their career journeys with both students and mentors. Many of these speakers have achieved significant success and can offer valuable insights into their paths to professional accomplishment.

The Learn and Earn Program is more than just a mentorship initiative; it's a lifeline for students like Thomas, offering them guidance, support, and a vision for their future. Gloria and Briana, like many other mentors, are committed to making a difference in the lives of these students, helping them to see that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. By sharing their own experiences and insights, they help students carve out their own paths and take the necessary steps to reach their goals.

For students, the program offers not just financial support but also the invaluable gift of confidence and direction. It's an opportunity to explore different career paths, experiment with new ideas, and build the foundation for a successful future. As Thomas' story shows, the Learn and Earn Program is making a real difference, one student at a time.

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