Jose Zayas – Age: 16 – Placement: Adecco Medical and Science – Supervisor: Deb Bowles Some of Jose’s duties included: dealing directly with clients, assisted with an open recruitment event, purging and organizing files on the computer.             Jose said, “I enjoyed the business etiquette courses on-line.  It taught me to approach people in a more positive way. This was my first job so it helped me become more comfortable in a professional setting and taught me valuable communication skills with other professionals.” Deb said, “Jose was always very professional in his approach to work.  He worked well working with others and by himself, always completing his tasks in a timely manner.  I was very satisfied with my interns from RochesterWorks and would like to participate next year.” Christina Rivera – Age: 17 – Placement: Children Awaiting Parents – Supervisor: Veronica Black Some of Christina’s duties included: maintaining excel and access spread sheets, assisted photographers in HEART gallery, maintained CAP book of children awaiting adoption. Christina said, “The digital skills program was very beneficial to me.  I was able to work with programs I might not have the chance to otherwise.  Working at Children Awaiting Parents, was a wonderful experience and it expanded my horizons for future career choices.” Veronica said, “RochesterWorks’ program is outstanding.  We would love to participate again.  Christina’s work ethic is very strong and valued.  She’s done a great job!” Amrili Wright – Age: 16 – Placement: Sterling of Northeast – Supervisor: Amarylis Hernandez Some of Amrili’s duties included: scanning and copying client files as part of maintaining client’s database, customer service assignments. Amrili said, “With the e-learning courses, I was able to learn many of the skills that I ended up using during my internship.  This internship was a great experience and it gave me a sense of how the business world works.” Amarylis said, “Amrili was a very good employee.  She learned a lot and we are very happy with her performance.  We are interested in the other programs that RochesterWorks offers as well.” Aaron Banks – Age:15 – Placement: Cook Iron – Supervisor: Steve Wichtowski Some of Aaron’s duties included: data entry, pricing products, website enhancement, developing and maintaining databases. Aaron said, “This program has helped me on so many levels.  It has helped me with managing my time throughout the week.  It has helped me to prepare for the real working world.  I am so blessed to be part of this program.” Steve said, “The Digital Skills program has been an asset to our organization.  Not only are we having projects done that are important to our business, but it’s also a blessing to personally interact with the students.  I would recommend this program to any employer.” Brandon Sosa – Age: 17 – Placement: ITT Space Systems – Supervisor: Louis DeGregorio Some of Brandon’s duties included: database development, HR support, internet research, created documentation programs for training new staff and staff orientations. Brandon said, “I really enjoyed the internship part of the program.  I feel that I learned alot about the business setting.” Lou DeGregorio said, “The key to retaining talent locally begins with planting the ‘retention seed.’ I believe this program can serve that purpose very well.  I was totally impressed with the caliber and performance of the interns!” Janet Mejias – Mother of intern Janixa Mejias Janet said, “Quite frankly I am in awe of the wonderful opportunity that this program represents for youth in our community.  It not only offers the opportunity to learn something new, but the potential to work towards a better future than perhaps some thought they could aspire to...I am truly grateful to Rochester Works!, Senator Joseph Robach, New York Wired for Education, the County of Monroe, City of Rochester and all of the participating local school districts and businesses for investing not just in my daughter, but in the youth of our community.” About Digital Skills for Youth This program, now in its third year in 2007 served 40 in-school youth through its self-directed web-based e-learning curriculum.  Digital Skills for Youth is an initiative from RochesterWorks, Inc., in conjunction with New York Wired for Education, local school districts and businesses.  It provides technical certification for youth 15-21 years old.  Thirty youth were deemed “digitally certified” by completing a rigorous on-line curriculum over a six week period independently.  After the youth receive their certifications, they become eligible for internships through participating Monroe County businesses.  RochesterWorks, Inc. supports the internships by providing funding to companies for the intern’s wages.  These youth participated in a 120-hour paid summer internship.  Twenty one different employers provided worksite experiences and mentoring to youth.