The Bernick Family Foundation approved a $15,000 grant to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s CareerSTART workforce development program.
Career START is a program developed locally by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota which is designed to provide exploration, development and application of career paths for youth in grades K-12. CareerSTART will develop employability skills & apply core competencies, which will empower them to start their great future in the career of their choice.
Boys & Girls Club will partner with numerous community organizations to provide the 3 stages of CareerSTART: Stage 1: EXPLORE; Stage 2: DEVELOP; and Stage 3: APPLY. Through CareerSTART, youth have the opportunity to participate in a number of opportunities, including Junior Staff Career Development; culinary arts; construction trades; the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program; robotics; digital technology; and 56+ career modules through Transfr virtual reality.
Boys & Girls Club’ CareerSTART program partners with organizations across the St. Cloud metro area in each of the career clusters to empower youth to explore careers, access employment opportunities & improve skills that will prepare them for successful employment in their career choice.
CareerSTART exposes youth to opportunities available here in Central Minnesota & connects them to post-secondary education at SCTCC to keep skilled workers in the area after graduation. This program will create great futures for young people and a stronger regional economy.
“The Bernick Family Foundation is proud to support CareerSTART to help youth find the right fit for their future career,” said Jason Bernick, Director of Corporate Affairs. “We hope this program will lead to more skilled workers entering the workforce right here in Central Minnesota, and maybe even at Bernick’s.”
“We are so appreciative of The Bernick Family Foundation’s support of CareerSTART,” said Mary Swingle, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. “Bernick’s is deeply connected to our community and specifically the important work we do at the Boys & Girls Club. They are committed to our youth and to preparing the next generation for success.”
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota
Since 1974, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota has provided hope and opportunity to tens of thousands of young people. Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota offers programming to achieve outcomes in Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Good Character & Citizenship.
About Bernick’s
Founded in 1916, Bernick’s is a fourth-generation family-owned business, providing beverage, vending and food service solutions. The St. Cloud area-based company has a long tradition of investing in its local communities to improve quality of life.