From Step It Up:

Career development is important, especially for teens. At a time when youth unemployment is at historic highs, learning what being in the workplace is like, what skills are needed, and how to act are essential for youth to achieve success in the workforce and in life. But many youth are disconnected from these opportunities, having no chance to learn skills that will help them succeed in a professional career. Alexis was one of these teens, yet through Step It Up, Inc.’s programs, she was able to gain career knowledge, experiential learning, and continuous support.

Alexis sang at the Martin Luther King Celebration at the Highland Christian Center. “This is an event I’ve always loved to attend over the years and now I’m in it! This event is always powerful and very entertaining, I definitely recommend this one. Thank you!”

At fifteen, Alexis knew she wanted to pursue a medical career along with her tennis and singing talents. “I want to become a doctor, pediatrician, tennis pro, or singer,” she told us in her application for the Pre-Internship Program in May of 2007. Her hobbies and volunteer activities included Benson High School Tennis Team, singing at her church, volunteering at health care facilities and Loaves & Fishes, assisting children with reading and outdoor exercise, and participating in the African American Health Coalition’s (AAHC) HOLLA Program for teens.

Alexis also knew she had several positive personality characteristics. “I am trustworthy, responsible, respectful, moral, dependable, and ethical,” she shared in her program journal. She was definitely knowledgeable about what she needed to do to succeed in school and the community. What she wanted from participating in Step It Up, Inc.’s career development programs was to learn how to succeed in the workplace and in college.

Alexis started her career exploration activities with Step It Up, Inc. (SIU) in 2007, hearing about the program through a friend at school. Alexis wanted support to achieve her long-term career goals and so decided to participate in SIU’s Pre-Internship Program for 8th-10th graders. By the end of the program, Alexis had new friends, improved her team building and communication skills, gained credit toward high school graduation, and felt supported by people who could help connect her with a career, higher education, and scholarship opportunities.

JOIN US TO SUPPORT YOUTH CAREER SUCCESS! Step It Up, Inc. is currently recruiting youth to participate in their career development programs. If you would like to participate, know someone who would, or want to learn more about upcoming programs through Step It Up, please contact SIU. You can visit their website at www.stepitupinc.org, email info@stepitupinc.org, call (503) 284-1640, or visit their offices located on the third floor of Lloyd Center Mall in suite 2218 Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

You can also volunteer to help achieve SIU’s vision for all youth to be introduced to life changing experiences that focus them on pursuing a meaningful career to become productive and fulfilled adults.