On Tues., Sept. 20, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), the Rowan College Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County (BGCGC) entered into a new partnership enabling local teenagers to explore career options, make sound educational decisions and prepare for workforce success.
BGCGC is a youth development organization located in Gloucester County that provides after-school programs and activities for children. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential. Through this new partnership, the College and the BGCGC established THE CLUB Teen Center at RCSJ to prepare members, ages 13 – 18, with the essential skills they need to succeed in the classroom and the workplace.
For members ages 13-15, THE CLUB focuses on career exploration activities and assessments to identify each individual's talents and interests, along with mentorship and academic support. Members 16-18 enter a paid apprenticeship through the “Earn and Learn Apprenticeship Program," and receive instruction on workplace ethics and protocols. All members are provided guidance on navigating a college or trade school environment, and an introduction to RCSJ's many tuition-assistance and scholarship programs.
The College will also host a number of BGCGC's educational and social events, including the annual “Youth of the Year" ceremony. The recipient of this award will receive a $1,000 scholarship to RCSJ, funded by the Rowan College Foundation and the BGCGC.
“Rowan College of South Jersey is proud of this new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County and pleased to play a role in helping local teenagers to begin solidifying their career goals and educational pathways at an early age," remarked RCSJ President, Frederick Keating, Ed.D. “Investing in these young people now is investing in the future of Gloucester County and working towards a stronger New Jersey."
THE CLUB Teen Center at RCSJ will launch this January. Future members who are seeking more information can reach out to Gerald Hodges, Director of Programs for the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County, at (856) 881-6084.
