The 5th Annual North Carolina Youth Summit was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro on April 15-16. Over 250 young adults participated in this great event. This year’s theme was REFOCUS: SAME YOU NEW ATTITUDE. Youth came from all across the state for the two day event that featured workshops on Social Networking and Technology as well as Entrepreneurship.

Greensboro Mayor William Knight welcomed the group on Friday afternoon, followed by words of encouragement from Lillian Plummer, Director of the Greensboro/High Point/Guilford Workforce Development Board and David Hollars, Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Mary Finney, a youth participant from Cumberland County was the emcee.

The “fun” really began when Ronald Williams, a WIA youth participant from Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency introduced the keynote speaker Kwain Bryant. From that point the Summit was “on and poppin!”

Kwain Bryant spoke to the youth about F.E.A.R. – and how Focus, Emotional commitment, Action and Responsibility can move a person from the street corner to the corner office. He told the youth that “bad things sometimes happen to good people, but success in life is not about WHAT happens to us, but how we RESPOND to what happens to us.” The youth left the opening session energized and excited about refocusing their lives, beginning with a new attitude.

Featured workshop presenters included Henry Hughie, Johnson C Smith professor and technology guru. He talked to youth about Social Networking and Technology. He also shared with youth how to build a respectable and resourceful online network that can lead to future employment opportunities. Racquel Williams also led a workshop on Social Networking. Mrs. Williams pointed out to youth that “In the virtual world, photos don’t go away, even though you pull them down. This type of vicarious posting, blogging, tweeting are a clear indication that one has no specific destination. Clearly if one was on his way to the White House, they would not portray such an image even at this young age. These behaviors don’t just disappear one day without a conscious effort to do so.” Mrs. Williams is a public policy maker with a Masters in Public Administration; she is currently pursuing her MBA and Jurist Doctorate all while rearing four young boys as a single mother. She refers to herself as a “student for life”.

Kwain and his brother and business partner Darrin Bryant led a workshop on Entrepreneurship. They talked about the “good, bad and ugly” sides of business ownership. Angela and Andre Davis co-presented a workshop on Entrepreneurship also. They talked about their own experiences running a retail clothing store and the ups and downs of being your own boss. The Davis’s founded and currently manages the Urban Church Clothing Company.

History of the NC Youth Summit
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the NC Youth Summit. The NC Youth Summit was developed out of the idea that young adults from across the state of North Carolina could come together to evaluate and address critical statewide youth issues, identify commonalities, share best practices, and develop value added solutions.

The idea to host a Statewide Youth Summit originated from four individuals that had a vested interest in working with youth to help them succeed in life. The four originators were Margie Parker, Director of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, Sheryl Lange, Youth Program Manager for the Northeastern WDB, Keith Lipscomb from Greensboro/ High Point/ Guildford WDB, and Barbara Bergman (former Youth Leads Coordinator from the NC Department of Commerce – Division of Workforce Development). In 2005, after attending a conference in Wilmington together, the four arranged to meet and discuss ways to bring young adults from across the state together to voice their concerns and ideas on ways to improve youth services.

The impact the summit would make would send a positive message across the state of North Carolina of the importance of a Youth Voice. The youth’s voice would emphasize the difference that youth can make in restructuring Workforce Investment Act Youth programs and services to be successful in reaching them which would truly benefit, achieve internal rewards, and achieve unforgettable landmarks that they could look back on later in life to say “WOW, I did that!!” The benefits to hosting a summit would be to provide the following opportunities:

• Providing youth an opportunity to engage, listen and share youth issues across the state, determine commonalities, differences and develop solutions as One Voice;

• Bringing youth from different cultures and backgrounds together in respect to each other’s differences; and

• Developing relationships to drive a passionate movement among our future leaders of tomorrow

The North Carolina Youth Summit is made possible thanks to the financial contributions of NC Workforce Development Boards and also the hard work of the NC Youth Summit Planning Committee, made up of individuals from across the state. This year’s planning committee was chaired by Natasha Pender, Youth Program Specialist – Centralina Workforce Development Board and Crystal Zellous, WIA Career Developer - Guilford/High Point/Greensboro Workforce Development Board. For more information on this exciting event, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.

ANSON County Success Story Alert!

See How Workforce Investment Act Funds are Working for our Youth

Tihreek Royal was one of the first youth enrolled by Union County Community Action Inc. in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program in Anson County. As a part of year round work experience, he was placed with the Town of Wadesboro in the street department division.

After working for three months, Tihreek’s supervisor Jeff Harris found him to be a dependable hard worker with a strong work ethic. Mr. Harris immediately let it be known that he wanted to hire Tihreek full time when a position became available.

After three months of work experience with the Town of Wadesboro, Tihreek’s dream came true. Mr. Harris offered him a full-time position as a Street Technician. Tihreek officially started working for the Town of Wadesboro on Friday April 1, 2011 making $11.45 an hour, which also includes a benefits package. Tihreek will also start truck driving classes on April 16, 2011 to earn his commercial driver’s license so that he can have the skills to seek advancement to other positions with the town.

Tihreek is a great example of someone taking advantage of the services that the WIA-Youth program offers. On behalf of UCCA, Inc. and the Centralina Workforce Development Board, we wish you continued success.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are strong partners with Union County Community Action, Inc. We are excited to see our region’s youth embracing opportunities that lead them to their future. For more information on the Centralina WDB Youth Council, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or npender@centralina.org.

Honored for Innovative Technology

Rowan-Salisbury School System Recognized for Connecting Technology and Teaching

The Rowan-Salisbury School System’s 21st century learning program is getting national attention. The program was recently named an Apple Exemplary Program, a designation that recognizes exemplary examples of the use of Apple products in teaching and learning.

“The selection of the Rowan-Salisbury schools 21st century program highlights the success that you guys are continuously possessing and modeling,” Janice Adams, education development executive for Apple, said.

The district is one of 40 in the nation to receive the honor. “We want to recognize programs that are viewed as innovative by other educators and this one definitely falls into that category,” Adams said.

There are currently 38 of the 21st century model classrooms in the school system, with at least one at every school. The classrooms contain iPod Touches, MacBooks, Promethean interactive boards, documents cameras, digital camera and video cameras.

Teachers for the program are chosen through an application process. The school system’s website says those selected must “demonstrate a strong interest in integrating and differentiating their curriculum through the use of technology.”

Phil Hardin, the school system’s technology director, said the classrooms act as a springboard with teachers serving as models to support staff development throughout their school.

Adams said the program has demonstrated “visionary leadership” by getting both administrators and teachers on board.

Hardin said the school’s technology initiatives have grown tremendously in the past five year.

The number of handheld devices such as iPods jumped from 157 in 2005-06 to 4,430 in 2010-11, an increase of 2,722 percent.

The majority of that growth can be attributed to the iPod touch program at North Rowan High School. The program began in 2008-09 when iPods were distributed to 200 freshman at North Rowan, 10 core subject area teacher, four resource teachers and administrators. The program expanded to sophomores in August 2009.

The entire school was equipped with an iPod at the start of this year, thanks to a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The iPod touch program expanded to eighth-graders at North Rowan Middle School last fall and seventh-graders this spring.

Sixth- and seventh-grade students at Knox Middle and fourth and fifth-grader at Overton Elementary are also currently using the program. Knox eighth-graders and Overton third-graders are expected to be issued iPods this fall.

“We felt that it was important to branch out to other places and expand the program,” Hardin said. “We are putting it in schools where we truly believe that it will make a difference.” Hardin said the program is also targeting schools where students might not have access to this kind of technology.

The introduction of the wireless Internet bus at North Rowan has been another positive addition to the technology program, Hardin said. He said the program allows students to do work on the road and take notes at their destination. “Students are engaged from the time they leave the building to the time they return,” he said.

Hardin said the increase in technology within the school system has gotten students excited about learning by keeping them engaged with hand-on activities. “If you tour those classrooms and talk to the kids they’ll tell you they’re having fun,” he said. “We know that it’s making a difference.”

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina WDB Youth Council are proud partners with the Rowan-Salisbury School System and Rowan County BizEd Connect. We are excited to see local partners coming up with innovative ways to connect our youth to their future. For more information on the Centralina WDB Youth Council, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or npender@centralina.org.

After High School…What Then?

Mooresville Reaches Out to Teens to Prepare Them for Life After Graduation

The Mooresville Career Bridge Advisory Council in conjunction with the Mooresville Graded School District held their Annual Career Bridge Summit on Thursday March 31, 2011 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville from 6 to 9pm.

The Career Bridge Advisory Council planned the event meant to enlighten students by providing various avenues available after high school. Students were given opportunities to learn what various colleges and technical schools offer. They were able to get a glimpse at what businesses are looking for from prospective employees; and students had a chance to observe, question and interact with one another. Additionally, the Career Bridge Advisory Council wanted to showcase businesses and industries with the hope that businesses will be able to find a better trained workforce. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars is an active member of the Career Bridge Advisory Council and the Centralina WDB provided funding sponsorship for the summit.

Some of the colleges and businesses on site during the event were: Mitchell Community College, Lowes, UNC Charlotte, Peace College, Iredell JobLink Career Center, Fifth Third Bank, Johnson C. Smith, Elon University, ITT Tech, Johnson & Wales, Armed Forces, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Cabarrus Community College, Davis Spine Associates, Pit Crew U, North Carolina A&T, Pfeiffer University, Sheetz and LKN Homebuilders Association.

In addition to the exhibitors, students and parents heard from two different panelists. The first included members from the business community. Andy Davis, CEO of Davis Regional, Mike Dooley, Plant Manager of the Bay State Milling Company in Mooresville, Debby Hager, Strategic Workforce Manager for Duke Energy and Mark Clark, Manager of Corporate Recruiting for Lowe’s Corporate were all panelists during the first session. They discussed hiring practices and what they look for in potential employees – education, experience, etc.

The second session was a panel of college administrators. John Hutchins, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UNC-Charlotte; Chad Spencer, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Davidson College; and Brett Fansler, Dean of Mitchell Community College – Mooresville Center each participated on the panel answering questions and addressing issues of college admissions, financial aid, expectations and many other questions that parents and students had about getting into college.

Over 350 students, parents and other interested parties attended this event. Centralina WDB Youth Program Specialist Natasha Pender also participated in the festivities.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina WDB Youth Council are proud partners the Mooresville Graded School District and is excited to see its partners connecting youth to their future opportunities. For more information on the Centralina WDB Youth Council or on this event, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or npender@centralina.org.

Anson County Serves As Model for State and Nation

Groundbreaking Things are Occurring at Anson New Tech High School

Superintendents and other administrators from school districts across the state spent the day at Anson New Tech High School in Wadesboro (Anson County) on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. The school is a demo site for the New Tech Network, serving as a model for how the schools can be set up in other districts nationwide.

Anson New Tech was started in 2007 with four teachers and is one of nine science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, schools in the state.

The New Tech Network has 27 more schools opening this year, said director of new school planning Sharon Oldham, and is growing. This visit to Anson New Tech was comprised of superintendents, assistant superintendents, tech directors and parents who are considering starting similar schools in their districts elsewhere in North Carolina.

“This school has hosted seven or eight tours already this year,” said Kristin Cuilla, who is the N.C. director for the New Tech Network.

“We bring people here not just from North Carolina, but from other states as well, like Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, from everywhere,” Oldham added.

The tour consisted of a welcome from Anson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Firn, classroom observations, a student panel and a Q&A with staff, before Anson New Tech Principal Chris Stinson shared with the group the story of his school.

Stinson explained that he was “hired straight out of the classroom.” Before becoming principal of Anson New Tech, he had never held an administration position. But, he was flown to California to undergo training and has had remarkable results during his first four years.

In 2008-09, Anson New Tech’s students scored 18-41 points higher than the rest of the district in English I, Algebra I, Algebra II and biology, and 90 percent of its students have been accepted into a college or the armed forces. The students’ biology scores are also in the 95th percentile or higher, compared to the district’s scores of the 36th percentile.

Stinson attributes that success to the culture he’s helped to create at the school. “My philosophy when we started this was, ‘win the people and you will win your freedom.’ That’s a line from the movie ‘Gladiator’ but it works here, too.”

He hired four teachers — one from within the county’s school system and three from outside the system. With those four teachers in the first year, Anson New Tech built its curriculum, which includes earning two credits in one class and the use of textbooks only as resources, not as the be-all, end-all of a classroom.

“We decided as a staff… we’re in this together,” Stinson said. In the beginning, parents often questioned the school’s methods. The first parent conferences lasted until after 10 p.m., and many parents were upset that their child was not making straight As. “We stuck together as a staff,” Stinson said. “We battled through year one and we won the parents over.”

The next year, the school had 120 applicants for its freshman class. “Our schedule is a mutt,” Stinson explained. “We’ve got a little bit of A and B, a little bit of traditional… there are no bells. You’ve heard no school bells all day today. Sometimes we extend classroom blocks to three hours. It’s all up to us.”

Because Anson New Tech has now been in existence for four years, the school is starting to collect data that’s useful in determining just how well its students are doing. However, Stinson said he’s not too focused on the data, because that’s only one aspect of what the school is trying to do. “We’re focused on our culture,” he said.

Anson New Tech creates a culture of mutual respect, he explained. For instance, all students are issued what’s called “trust cards.” They use these cards to take a bathroom break or walk over to the neighboring elementary school for errands. If they lose their trust card, they’ve lost the staff’s trust and cannot take bathroom breaks during class.

Every freshman is also issued a hoodie if they have above a C average. If their grades are 90 or above, they’re able to have “Leader of the Pack” printed on the sleeve. Academic achievement also warrants buttons featuring the school’s mascot, a wolf.

The school has never hired a substitute teacher, nor will it ever, Stinson said. If a teacher is out sick, the other teachers or Stinson cover that teacher’s class, and the students log on to their computers and do their coursework anyway. “You’re young adults,” he tells the students. “This is our expectation; do it.”

“The students have a voice here,” Stinson added. “And we allow that, as long as it’s done with dignity and respect.”

Now, with seven teachers and 131 students, Anson New Tech has been deemed a success and will continue to serve as a model school for the rest of the country.

For “A Day In The Life of Anson New Tech,” visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0etewtaaPuw.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are strong partners with Anson County Schools and proud to see them standing out in the nation. Not only does the community benefit from this model but most importantly the youth do. The Centralina WDB and the Centralina Youth Council believe that the youth are our future workforce. For more information on Anson New Tech High School or on the Centralina Youth Council, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.

Survey Says…

Centralina WDB Reveals Positive Outlooks on the Economy

Health and Science = Region’s Future Workforce

Allied Health RSP Meeting at the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis

Over 50 people attended the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership meeting held at the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis.

Joann Spaleta, Chair of the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership spoke about upcoming projects that the Partnership is working on at their April 28, 2011 meeting.

Connecting Job Seekers With Employers

Rowan County JobLink Career Center Holds Job Fair

The Federal Bureau of Investigation participated in the Rowan Job Fair.

People lined up around the building to attend the Rowan County JobLink Career Center Job Fair held on Wednesday March 30, 2011.

Career Connections Fairs are a Great Success!

Events Sponsored by Local JobLink Career Centers and South Piedmont Community College Draw Big Crowds in Wadesboro and Monroe

Pamela Blasi of Morven landed a job at the March 30 Anson Career Connections Fair! She is pictured (second from left) with her new employers, Bennie and Janice Stuckey of Stratus Building Solutions of Laurinburg, and April Little of NC Vocational Rehabilitation (right).

Grace George, of Waxhaw, talks over employment possibilities with Union County Public Schools representative James Flemming during Friday's career fair at SPCC's Monroe campus.

Centralina Workforce Development Has Money to Help Your Business Grow

Incumbent Worker Funds Available – Read On!

REAPing What They Sow

Union County Department of Social Services Seeks Improvement in Case Outcomes

Going Green is Growing!

Green Jobs are Continuing to Grow in the Economy

Tell Us More

Iredell County Company Announces $10 Million Expansion

Engineered Sintered Components Announces Growth of Operations in Troutman

If You Build It, They Will Expand it

Spec Building Back on Tap for Concord Business Park

Companies are Starting to Open the Doors for Hiring

RowanWorks Economic Development Shows Local Companies Preparing to Hire

America’s Park is Home Run for Mooresville

Groundbreaking is First Step in Growth of Jobs and Business Opportunities in Southern Iredell County

Getting Closer to the Action

Doug Herbert Performance Moves to Cabarrus County

Want Your Business to Grow? Then, Let Us Know!

Complete the Centralina WDB Employer Survey

There's a JobLink Near You!

Centralina WDB Honors Local Youth

Centralina Youth Council Treats Youth to Lunch and a Life Lesson

Thomas Barksdale II talks with the Centralina Youth that attended the luncheon on April 1, 2011.

Youth that attended the luncheon take a quick break to pose for a picture. The luncheon was held to honor youth that were accepted to attend the upcoming NC Youth Services Summit.

Looking for a Way to Connect to Your Peers? Register Now!

Re-Employment Bridge Institute to Host Groundbreaking Best Practices Conference

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!

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Same You + New Attitude = North Carolina Youth Summit

Centralina WDB Youth Participate in State Conference

Ronald Williams, youth participant from Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. prepares to give the invocation during the Friday night banquet at the NC Youth Summit.

David Hollars, executive director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board spoke at the opening session of the NC Youth Summit held in Greensboro.

Photo above article: All of the Centralina Workforce Development Board youth and youth contractors that attended the NC Youth Summit pose for a quick picture.

ANSON County Success Story Alert!

See How Workforce Investment Act Funds are Working for our Youth

Tihreek Royal has found employment and his choice of career development thanks to Union County Community Action, Inc., the Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Workforce Investment Act.

Honored for Innovative Technology

Rowan-Salisbury School System Recognized for Connecting Technology and Teaching

After High School…What Then?

Mooresville Reaches Out to Teens to Prepare Them for Life After Graduation

Members from the Mooresville JobLink Career Center attended the Career Bridge Summit to inform the youth of their career opportunities.

Local companies were on hand to answer questions from the youth about the job field and educational requirements.

Anson County Serves As Model for State and Nation

Groundbreaking Things are Occurring at Anson New Tech High School

What's Happening in the Region?

Comings, Goings, Kudos…