COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Midlands student have from now until August to learn what its like to be an adult.
Tevin McCary a rising sophomore at Eau Claire High School is preparing for his first job this summer.
“I am excited to get experience in the workforce,” McCary says.
The 15-year-old attended orientation Thursday for the Columbia Urban League's Summer Work Experience Leadership Program or SWELP which has been providing employment opportunities to teens for 20 years.
“We know from research that work experience is key to positive development of young people,” according to Columbia Urban League President James T. McLawhorn, Jr.
Participants are assigned a two-week job.
Tevin is interested in business and will likely be working in that environment.
During their time on the clock, the students will train in work-related survival skills such as, setting goals, communication, conflict management and etiquette.
Tevin's mother also attended the orientation as parents were told what will be expected of their children.
“I had another son two or three years ago that was in this program and he enjoyed it,” says Audrey McCary. “He worked with the City of Columbia in forensics, so I think it will be a great experience for him.”
The Columbia Urban League also offers another summer program for younger children.
The Youth Development Career Academy helps those between the ages of 10 to 13 figure out what they may want to do in the future.
To learn more about these programs, click here.
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