Career Motivators created Project GROWL (Getting Ready for your Opportunity to Work, Laugh, and Learn) to help Midlands high school students secure and retain their first jobs. A job is the first rung on the ladder of being engaged in society. A young person’s perception of the working world is formed during his or her first job. Twenty-four Richland County School District Two students received training in the application process and the opportunity to talk directly to hiring managers. They were introduced to “soft skills” and why deficiencies are the typical reason for job release. Students worked with professionals at EdVenture in Columbia, South Carolina in the areas of Education, Food Service, Facility Management, and Retail, and Administration.

Career Motivators members spent four days teaching students curriculum focused on the following questions:

  • How do I even find job opportunities?
  • How do I apply and interview?
  • What if I don’t like the boss or my co-workers?
  • How do I leave my first job the right way?
  • What should I do to be successful in my new job?
  • What are soft skills?
  • What should I not do at work?
  • What do you mean they check my social media profile?
  • What do you mean money is deducted from my paycheck?

Students received a Certificate of Completion and a Visa Gift card.