Careers Take Flight at The Career Action Center

Through the Career Action Center program, Poughkeepsie High School youth have the opportunity to explore careers of interest and learn about the steps necessary to get into those fields. We immerse youth in field trips, job shadows, internships, and informational interviews. The goal is for our youth to leave Poughkeepsie High School with a better understanding of their career options. We have had a couple of busy weeks and are looking forward to ending the year strong. 
 
Dutchess Community College (DCC) sponsored a field trip to The Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Dutchess County to learn about their aviation programs. DCC staff warmly welcomed us and gave our youth an overview of their pilot and aviation maintenance technician courses. In addition, youth learned about the skills, salary, and job outlook for those careers using websites like O’net, a Department of Labor website that provides career data. Youth were given a tour of the state-of-the-art equipment ranging from a modern sheet metal welding lab to a 15,000 sq. foot teaching laboratory hanger. The youth were amazed to learn that one of New York’s leading aviation programs is located right in their backyard. We wrapped the day up with a presentation that talked about how to enroll in DCC and all the resources the campuses have to ensure that their students are successful. A big thank you to all of the DCC staff who were present during the field trip, especially Laraine Kautz, DCC Workforce Development Liaison, who ensured that our youth were provided with an immersive experience.
 
During spring break, youth also participated in internship week. We had students learning from professionals within the City of Poughkeepsie Government offices and Mariapolis Luminosa, a local retreat center located in Hyde Park. Some youth learned about the work done within government offices, while the others joined a woodwork course and learned about food etiquette. Youth were provided with a stipend once they completed their internship. Since the school year is ending, our focus is now on Interview Day on May 19. Local employers ranging from Adams Fairacre Farms to The Art Effect will be interviewing youth for summer employment opportunities. 
 
To connect with the Career Action Center, please email cedwards@dcrcoc.org.