Boston Region Job Corps Director Joseph Semansky, EJCA students Kevin Badaraco-Rodriguez, Christian Brooks, Jasmine Almaraz, Cassie Lee Josephs and EJCA Center Director Joseph P. DiPina Jr. November 15th, 2011 pictured above.

 EJCA students had the opportunity to intern at the November 2011 Boston Region ETA Youth Conference “Working Collaboratively to Provide Work and Learning Opportunities for Young Adults”. Students provided staff support and assisted with conference housekeeping logistics. They were able to attend and participate in many of the scheduled workshops, meet presenters and were panel speakers for the “Ask The Experts” session.  They collaborated with young adults from Year UP,  Youth Opportunities and More Than Words Organization to provide conference attendees with a realistic perception of Young Adults challenges to prepare for entering the 2012 workforce. EJCA students had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Johan Uvin, Assistant Secretary of Adult  and Vocational Education;  Joseph Semansky,  Boston Region Job Corps Director; Holly O’Brien, Boston Region ETA Director and heard Jane Oates, US DOL Assistant Secretary speak on Thursday morning. Students Christian Brooks, Jasmine Almarez, Cassie-Lee Joseph and Kevin Badaraco-Rodriguez really enjoyed the networking opportunities with their peers and Workforce Development professionals.  Cassie-Lee Josephs took the opportunity to speak with New York City organizations since she will be transitioning back to her community soon as she completes her Advanced Culinary Arts program at EJCA.  EJCA students were impressed that the conference participants and policy makers truly listened to what they had to say. They felt that their voices were heard and hopes that the exchange makes a difference in youth opportunities. Keynote speakers and presenters included Andrew Sum [Center for Labor Market Studies, Northeastern University], Mala B. Thakus [National Youth Employment Coalition],  Scott D. Wilderman [CEO Career Resources],  Dr. Steve Pound [Cianbro Institute], Howard Knoll [Casey Family Foundation] to just name a few.  This conference was a great professional development opportunity for EJCA students.