International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) Talk
This past Friday Amy Grat visited us from International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) to explain their programs. ITEP is a Southern California 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that connects high school students to careers. Through partnerships with industry and educators, ITEP prepares high school students for careers in high-wage and high-growth job sectors through career exploration activities, industry mentoring and college scholarships.
ITEP supports career pathways within high schools where access is limited. They work with close to 400 industry leaders who serve as board members, speakers, mentors and internship providers to bring valuable resources fostering the development of future leaders.
The organization currently has relationships with 13 high schools. During the past year they served 5,100 students with 262 students receiving industry coaching and 104 interns placed. Ninety-seven percent have graduated from high school and eighty-nine percent have enrolled in college. Some of the business sectors they work with are advanced manufacturing & trades, STEM, biomedical and health sciences, business and finance, government and law, and transportation and logistics.
The idea is to help students that don’t “get it yet”. ITEP serves high school freshmen through senior year. There is a continuing need for mentors, speakers and internship opportunities. Amy Grat can be reached at amygrat@itep.org. Her phone number is 424-368-7100 x103. ITEP’s website is: www.itepinc.org.