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by Lorine Parks
MADE is a novel summer program for juniors about to become seniors at Downey, Warren and Columbus High Schools, to prepare them for work readiness upon graduation. The process begins by teaching them how to showcase themselves when applying for a job.
Every summer, as Carmen Tovar and Eli Romero told us, the Downey Unified School System organizes the MADE Work Experience Program, which is part of the International Trade Education Program (ITEP). It was established to provide an opportunity for businesses to meet their future workforce. The program works with more than 300 local industry leaders who serve as mentors and internship providers to enhance the school experience.
A monthly workshop teaches the important introduction tool of resume writing. Then MADE introduces the students to a host of Downey employers that the DUSD has enlisted to offer a summer job, so the students can test the waters of the employment world.
Participants include The Downey Family YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Memorial Space Center, the City of Downey, Embassy Suites, Law Offices of Dennis Saab, and of Blanca Pacheco, and RMI International participate, among others. During the summer students can complete up to 100 hours of work experience training over the course of six weeks. Students who apply must have transcripts verifying a 2.5 or better grade point average.
DUSD’s Dr. John Garcia came forward to speak in support of the MADE program as an outstanding preparation for student readiness. Downey Unified’s vision is to graduate students with a 21st Century education that ensures they are college and career ready, globally competitive and citizens of strong character. “A lot of students don’t go on to college,” said Dr. John, so this helps prepare them for a technical or vocational career.
MADE encourages self discovery, which begins when designing effective resumes and cover letters. Effective speaking is practiced in the workshop, and communication, networking and interview skills.