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| Conference Gives TFIM Teams a Glimpse Into the Real World of Work |
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Teams attending the 10th annual Student Leadership Conference hosted by The Consortium for Public Education's career exploration program, The Future Is Mine (TFIM), looked at the world of work through the eyes of employees at 14 different Pittsburgh companies and organizations in April. For a full story on what they saw, click here.
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| West Mifflin Walks For The Cure |
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Students from The Future Is Mine organization at West Mifflin High School conducted their 1st Annual TFIM Walk For The Cure as their Peer-to-Peer project on Saturday, May 22, 2010 Click here to read their article.
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| Clairton TFIM Students Witness an Open Heart Surgery |
| Monessen TFIM Team Teaches Junior Achievement Classes |
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For the past six weeks, students from the Monessen TFIM team have been teaching classes in the 7th grade at Monessen Middle school. Click here to read their article.
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| California Area TFIM Team Visits WVU |
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This March, California Area High School TFIM students went to West Virginia University for their Peer to Professional (Individual) Project. While at WVU, the California students were given a tour of campus.
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| Steel Valley's 'Pennies for Emily' campaign raises $7,850.65! |
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As the "Pennies for Emily" campaign came to a close on Feb. 19th, Pennies were counted, money was tallied, and the Steel Valley School District raised a total of $7850.65 ($940.00 was collected by Steel Valley staff in a "Denim for Emily" Day held on February 19th, where staff paid $5 to wear jeans for the day, supported by Dr. Kinavey) for Kindergarten student, Emily Hyland, who is in need of a seizure alert dog. This dog will cost the family $15,000.00 according to Ms. Hyland, Emily's mother. Already raising approximately $10,000.00 on their own, the money raised by the district will be enough for Emily to receive her dog! Additional funds raised will be placed in an account at a Veterinary Hospital of the family's choosing.
full story...
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| EF Organizes a Dodgeball Game to Help Haitians |
On Sat., March 6th, Elizabeth Forward's TFIM team hosted a student dodge ball tournament with proceeds benefiting Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts. After a long recruitment and advertisement period, EF students compiled 14 teams into a single elimination tournament. All teams paid an entrance fee, attended a dodge ball rules meeting, and coordinated uniforms. T-shirts were designed and made by Mrs. Megan Smith, a screen-printing teacher at EF. TFIM students held various jobs at the function ranging from concessions, door, security, announcer, etc. Faculty members volunteered to referee the games. TFIM offered them an official EF Dodge ball referee shirt.
full story...
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| Central Westmoreland CTC Helps Haiti |
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Some of the CWCTC TFIM members helped participate in their school's Haiti collection project. The students did a great job with posters, collecting, and packaging the items!!! Good work guys!
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| Elizabeth Forward Holds Humane Society Fundraiser |
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Elizabeth Forward's TFIM team completed a service project to benefit the Allegheny County Human Society at Fallen Timber, which is located in Elizabeth Township. They collected over 33 pet photos from faculty and staff, which was then made into a collage/voting board. During the lunch periods the week of January 18th, donations were collected from students, faculty, and staff on which pet was the "cutest". TFIM was able to donate over $270.00 to the animal shelter, as well as provide prizes for the top three winners: Dewey (cocker spaniel), Elvis the Cat, Colby (mix breed dog).
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| Steel Center AVTS Welcomes Steve Polansky |
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On Thurs., January 21st, Steel Center's TFIM students hosted "Making College and Career Count". Steve Polansky from Monster.com focused on the do's and don'ts of preparation for the world of work or post secondary education. TFIM students arranged the event, distributed materials and organized the physical space for the event. The interactive presentation was multi-faceted and included everything from finances to Facebook. The presentation was funny, relevant and beneficial to all our students and they plan to have them back next year.
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| East Allegheny Prepares Eighth Graders for Their Move to the High School |
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On Friday, January 15th, East Allegheny's TFIM group went to Logan Middle School to present to the eighth graders. Their project was titled "Welcome to high school" and it gave the eighth grade students an opportunity to look into their futures as they'll move to the high school next year.
more...
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| Carrick TFIM Team Featured in The Carrickulum |
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TFIM's newest team, Pittsburgh Carrick was recently featured in their school newspaper, the Carrickulum. Click here to read it.
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| South Allegheny Invades Douglas Education Center |
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The vast majority of South Allegheny students have NEVER visited a Career School or a College! The TFIM students came up with a great idea. Visit Douglas Education Center and a college. After the visit the students will have specific assignments that will bring the information to the younger students that may be apprehensive about visiting prospective post-secondary schools. Click below for more pictures!
more...
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| Mapletown Students Organize Power Puff Game |
| Beth Center Hosts Career Fair |
| Steel Valley Goes Behind the Scenes At the Zoo |
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On November 6, 2009 Steel Valley's TFIM group traveled to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for a behind the scenes look at the various careers that the Zoo had to offer. "This trip was very beneficial and opened my eyes to the various careers the zoo had to offer and I'm excited to share my experiences with the Kindergarten students at Franklin at the end of the month," said Mike, TFIM President shown above, along with Scott and Zoo Trainer Dave.
more...
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| Getting Involved...the Future is Yours at Gateway |
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On Tuesday, Oct. 13th "The Future is Mine" team at Gateway
hosted a speaker, Mr. Tom Baker of Baker Leadership on the topic
"Getting Involved. . .the Future is Yours".
more...
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| TFIM advisors set goals, shared tips for program improvement and reviewed new opportunities at their August planning session |
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Presentations at freshmen orientation, in-service day discussions and T-shirt advertising are among the vehicles high school teachers who coach The Consortium for Public Education?s career exploration program plan to use to grow their teams this year.
more...
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| Digital Media Symposium gives students and teachers a chance to learn together |
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A student attending the Digital Media Symposium discusses photographs with Steve Mellon.
Carl Kurlander went to Duke University when he graduated from high school, declaring a pre-med major and fully expecting to go on to medical school once he finished his bachelor's degree. Instead, he wrote a screenplay that became a hit movie, St. Elmo's Fire, and set off for Hollywood and a career in filmmaking.
His professional life is somewhat of an object lesson for kids in high school, a showcase example that education and careers don't always follow straight-line paths.
more...
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The EF TFIM team completed their P2YP project requirement at
Elizabeth Elementary school for the 4th and 5th graders. Their team researched
the many historical people and events that are special to their town, and then
wrote small skits which incorporated Waldo, lost in Elizabeth's history. The
concept was that Waldo gets lost in time in Elizabeth and keeps bumping into
famous people. Their TFIM kids played these famous people: Stephen Bayard,
founder of Elizabeth, John Walker, caretaker of Elizabeth, Lewis and Clark,
General Lighthorse Harry Lee, Marquis de Lafayette, General James Ekin,
Jacob Friend, Elizabeth's Women's Finishing School, and Eugene O'Neil. While
they were performing all of the skits, the elementary students were split
into groups of 10 or less. They were to listen to the skit and try to map on
their group map where in town this person/ event lived/ took place. Off to
the side of the skits, a photo slideshow coincided with the skits as an aid.
At the end, they went over the answers to all of the places and all of the
students received a participation prize. It went AWESOME, and they were a HIT!
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| Inspired by Vietnam Vet, McKeesport's TFIM Team Used a Local Recycling Campaign for International Outreach |
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McKeesport Area School District's TFIM team took the theme from last year's Student Leadership Conference "Act Locally, Think Globally" over the top his year, with three projects aimed at helping kids a half a world away. To "act locally" they mounted a clean-up project, collecting discarded digital cameras, cell phones and ink cartridges. They recycled the electronic gear and used proceeds to fund scholarships and school supplies for Paul's Kids Vietnam Children's Charities. They also made donations toward the Save-a-Life program the charity sponsors.
Click here to read the full story.
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| Mapletown Holds Mock Interviews |
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On Wednesday, March 11, 2009, The Future Is Mine students from Mapletown Jr./Sr. High School participated in mock interviews with two school administrators.
Click here to read the full story.
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On Friday, March 6, 2009, the TFIM Team of Beth Center High School presented their Peer-to-Peer Project to the juniors and seniors of our school by facilitating a discussion panel on "Successful Transitions After High School".
more...
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EF Seniors Are Prepared!
The Elizabeth Forward TFIM team completed their Peer to Peer Project for the
high school seniors. They focused on soft skills that the seniors will need
upon graduation. Topics covered were: Professional Body Language, Professional Business Attire, Job Interviews/ Applications, Resumes, Balancing a Budget, Workers' Rights, and completing a W-4 Form.
more...
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Steel Valley Presents The Pencil Story
Thirty two TFIM members traveled to Franklin Primary yesterday to talk
to the 130 kids about careers. Initially they read The Pencil Story,
encouraging the students to be what they want and be the change. I've
attached a copy of the story. The TFIM kids then passed out pencils for the
kids to remember their message.
more...
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Younger Students Introduced to Steel Center AVTS
On November 10, 2008, The Future Is Mine team from Steel Center AVTS went to New England Elementary School to discuss the career opportunities offered at Steel Center.
more...
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Gateway Registers Voters
Often times, people overlook the significance of voting in presidential elections. They may say, "Oh, my vote won't count," or "Who ever becomes president really won't affect my life anyway." Both of these excuses are common misconceptions. Every opinion matters and contributes to the final count, even if each vote composes only a diminutive fraction of the input of the vast population.
more...
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| Welcome The Future Is Mine |
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The Future Is Mine believes students should be given the tools they need to drive their careers - from the right academic opportunities, to navigating the world of work.
What is The Future Is Mine?
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| Website Design and Security Tools |
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"Is Facebook safe? How can I make my own web site? How does the Internet
even work?
If you've wondered about any of these things, click below to download
information developed especially for TFIM participants by IST students
at Penn State Greater Allegheny. These online workshops were created
especially with high school students like yourself in mind, and besides
explaining the basics of what a network is and how to create your own
professional-looking web site, they provide links to useful online
resources and career information."
Please visit the Penn State GA web site if you are interested in learning more about the IST program.
Usability & Website Design
Networking & Security
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| How TFIM Relates to PA State Standards |
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A common misconception about The Future Is Mine Student Project is that it is an extra-curricular activity and, therefore, the program's activities should not take place or interfere with the school day. In an effort to dispel that notion, a careful analysis of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards has been done in relation to the goals, activities, skills and concepts covered in TFIM.
The Consortium for Public Education wholly understands the academic challenges a student faces when not present in the classroom, as does your colleague(s) who acts/act as the TFIM Advisor in your school. However, TFIM is an equally valuable tool in preparing our young people for the real world and it is sometimes necessary for a student to be excused from class. Please help to support the work of the TFIM students as they create experiences for their peers in preparation for life after high school.
It's our hope that after reviewing this information, you will feel comfortable in supporting the efforts of the TFIM Student Project Team.
Click here to download the list of PA State Standards that relates to TFIM goals, activities, skills and concepts.
Click here to view the PA Academic Standards for Career Education and Work.
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Please take a moment to join TFIM's newest network that will keep you updated on all things TFIM! Please encourage your friends and colleagues to sign up as well.
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| Pittsburgh Carrick's TFIM team offers peers a leg up on The Pittsburgh Promise |
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Educators at Pittsburgh Carrick High School enlisted students participating in The Consortium for Public Education's career exploration program, The Future Is Mine (TFIM), to pilot a peer-mentoring project that could help more ninth graders achieve The Pittsburgh Promise. To learn how, click TFIM.
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| 2nd Annual Extreme Home Makeover: Steel Valley Edition |
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Thanks to a grant from The Grable Foundation, on Fri., May 21, 63 Steel Valley High School students grades 9-12 volunteered for the 2nd Annual Extreme Home Makeover: Steel Valley Edition ran and organized by Shawn McCallister, Anthony Natale, and Ryan Dunmire.
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Students from The Future Is Mine organization at West Mifflin High School conducted their Peer-to-Younger-Peer project entitled Who?s Who at the Zoo on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Homeville Elementary School with approximately 78 third graders. Click here to read their article.
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| When I Grow Up, I Want To Be a... |
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On Monday, May 3, 2010, the Beth Center TFIM Team visited Beth Center Elementary School and conducted their Peer-to-Younger-Peer Project entitled, "When I Grow Up, I Want To Be a . . . . ." Presentation. Click here to read their article.
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| Past, Present, and Future Project at Steel Valley |
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Approximately 60 Park Elementary 5th grade Students and 24 Steel Valley High School TFIM students, joined together on May 4th in a collaborative learning experience about our area's past in TFIM's "Past, Present, and Future" Peer-to-Younger-Peer project. Click here to read their article.
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| East Allegheny Teaches Their Peers 'Skills for the Real World' |
On Tuesday April 6th the East Allegheny Future Is Mine team did our Peer-to-Peer project titled Skills for the Real World. We presented to both the 11th and 12th grade students. The presentation started off with the proper skills you should take with you when you go to an interview. Some of the skills discussed were body language, proper dress, proper greeting and proper speaking. Afterward we had two students role play what you shouldn't do upon going to an interview. Later the students got an overview of what to expect when they go on a college tour/interview. The presentation concluded with a jeopardy review game that all the students participated in and had a great time playing. After surveying the students after the presentation they said they learned a lot of things they had no clue about before our presentation.
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| McKeesport TFIM Team Introduces Possible Careers to Preschoolers |
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The McKeesport TFIM team introduced preschoolers in their technical school to the different careers and community aids in the area. Team members did this by gathering books about police and bakers. They made a craft with the little ones and served them a snack that involved these careers. About 30 preschoolers were in attendance.
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| Middle School Step Up Day at Steel Valley |
The Future Is Mine collaborated with Mr. Walsh, Middle School Principal, and Sue Large, Middle School guidance counselor, in preparation for the Middle School "Step Up Day" that was held on Tuesday, March 30th.
During this day, all sixth grade students participated in various activities that taught teamwork, communication, the differences between right and wrong, what diversity is, and goal setting. Sessions were planned and presented by twenty-five high school students in small sessions to achieve a better understanding through hands on activities. Discussions were held to ensure the understanding of the topics by the students. "It was a learning experience for us all," said Senior Emily Doyle, "The kids had fun but also learned what communication really is and the importance of it."
full story...
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| Congratulations Steel Valley! |
Congratulations to Steel Valley's The Future is Mine (TFIM) and Environmental Club on winning the $15,000.00 grant for their Extreme Home Makeover project through the Pittsburgh Voices of Youth Competition! Ryan Dunmire, the TFIM Advisor, would like to thank all of you for voting for this very important project. The students are very excited about this and Ryan is too. These funds will allow them to make sure the project carries through for years to come and will help beautify and instill pride back into their community. If you know of anyone who is in need of their services on May 21st, please have them fill out an application which can be found throughout the community or on the Steel Valley Website.
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| Beth Center Creates Web Pages |
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Bethlehem Center's TFIM team is creating Wetpaint sites for their Individual Projects.
Click here to view Chelsea Brewer's site.
Click here to view Michael McVicker's site.
Click here to view James Volcheck's site.
Click here to view Sara Lewis's site.
Click here to view Heather Olson's site.
Click here to view Nicole Jay's site.
Click here to view Cameron Matesich's site.
Click here to view Samantha McVicker's site.
Click here to view Matt Johnson's site.
Click here to read an article about their projects.
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| Interested In Being an Elementary School Teacher? |
| Steel Center TFIM Team Showcases their School |
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Steel Center A.V.T.S. TFIM students developed their own two minute presentation along with visual aides. Presentations were made on Fri., Jan. 15th at Duquesne Middle School's auditorium.
more...
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| Gateway Students Job Shadow for Individual Project |
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Megan and Lindsay from Gateway High School job shadowed for their TFIM Individual Project. They really enjoyed it and want to thank the students in Miss Stacy's class for supporting our "Pennies for Peace" campaign!
more photos...
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Student and advisors from teams participating in The Consortium for Public Education's career exploration program, The Future Is Mine (TFIM) gathered in December to brief other districts on their projects, plan their annual conference and find out about a project in which Carnegie Mellon University wants to enlist their help.
Please click here to read the full story.
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| Elizabeth Forward Helps Save the Planet! |
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After much planning and collaboration, the Elizabeth Forward TFIM team completed their P2YP Project on November 26, 2009. The team decided to teach, motivate, and challenge the entire 6th grade about recycling and their part in helping to save the planet.
more...
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| Steel Valley Takes Their Zoofari to Franklin Primary! |
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On November 24, 2009, 32 Steel Valley TFIM Members volunteered
at Franklin Primary and taught the students about the various careers
offered at the zoo. After the November 6th trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and
PPG Aquarium, the Steel Valley High School students were energetic to share
their knowledge.
more...
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| Steel Valley's 1st Turkey Bowl! |
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On November 19, 2009, 37 Teachers and Students participated in the 1st annual Turkey Bowl at Campbell Field from 3:00-5:00 pm raising a total of $185 for a local senior home, Parkview Towers on Main Street. Under the leadership of Steel Valley High School Teachers, Mr. Goga and Mr. Catterall, the two teams battled each other in the rain for the victory. "Ultimately, the students and staff were on the field for more than just a game. They came out to support local seniors and have fun while doing it. The excitement on the field was incredible. Also, the spirit of the students was irreplaceable. Regardless of the weather, the students were determined to get the game in," said organizer, Ryan Dunmire- The Future Is Mine Advisor. "This was the best sports related event I've participated in," said Coach Gary Goga, "it was awesome!" With a final score of 25-21, Mr. Goga's team persevered.
more...
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| TFIM Annual Student Leadership Conference Brought Hands-On Learning Opportunities at Workplaces Across the Region |
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Students attending this year's TFIM Student Leadership Conference huddle together during a breakout session.
This year's Annual Student Leadership Conference brought participants in The Consortium for Public Education?s career exploration program, The Future Is Mine (TFIM), plenty of chances to get their hands dirty, or at least keep them busy.
more...
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| Monessen Shows Community Pride |
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The Monessen TFIM team took part in Monessen Community Pride Day by painting parking meter poles and street signs. They spread a lot of green and silver paint and a whole lot of good will as well.
more...
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| Conference promotes career awareness |
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On March 20, 2009 The Steel Valley The Future is Mine hosted a Career Day.
Nine presenters and nine Alumni were invited to present to the Steel Valley
student body grades 9-12. The goal of this event was to expose our high
school students to various careers and work experiences and to introduce
them to notable community members, distinguished alumni, and professionals
within the Pittsburgh Region. All students heard a presentation on topics
such as: Career Aptitude, Budgeting, Diversity, Team Building, the Job
Application Process, Interviewing, Understanding Team Dynamics, and Being a
Responsible Citizen.
Click here to download a copy of the newsletter for the event.
Alumni ranging from an Assistant Superintendent for Hempfield Area School
District, to a Managing Partner for AEC Group, Inc, to the Director of
Marketing at Southside Works, and the Pharmacy District Manager with Rite
Aid (to name a few) attended to give the students a enlightening experience
with their accomplishments and pride in our community.
"The Alumni Panel was impressive. I really learned a lot and it gave me the
confidence boost I needed to know that one day, I too can achieve great
things!"~ Emily, Junior.
"It was a great project. I had the opportunity to see it begin as just a
thought and evolve into something that had an impact. I heard so many
positive remarks that day, I was proud to be a part of it."~ Brian,
Senior TFIM President.
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On Wednesday March 11th, East Allegheny The Future Is Mine team completed their peer to peer project. They held an event that combined a college fair, subject fair and health fair in one. The main objective was to present to the juniors and seniors some different options upon graduating. They had booths set up for such schools as Pitt, Slippery Rock, CCAC, Robert Morris and Duquesne. It gave the students an opportunity to check out some local colleges to see what programs they offer, along with cost, student population and campus life. The health booths were set up to try to get the students more involved with a healthy lifestyle such as exercising and eating healthy. The fair was a great experience and all students enjoyed looking at the different booths. Students also gave input as to how we can improve the fair next year.
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| Kennywood Interviews SA Students |
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The South Allegheny TFIM team arranged for representatives from Kennywood's Human Resources Department to conduct open interviews with SAHS students for summer employment.
South Allegheny High School is the only school in the Mon Valley that Kennywood visited for the purpose of hiring summer employees.
Click here to read the article from the McKeesport Daily News
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Well, Monster.com That Is!
On February 23rd Mike Williams, a speaker from Monster.com, presented "Making It Count" at Steel Center AVTS for their Peer to Peer Project. Mr. Williams spoke to students about their plans to better themselves in the future. The Future Is Mine students assisted Mr. Williams by distributing informational packets as well as participating in an example activity. The presentation was broken down into two groups. The first group consisted of Juniors, and the second group, Seniors. The Juniors' presentation concentrated on post secondary options. Mr. Williams discussed choices like the military, a four-year college, and vocational schools. The Seniors' presentation touched mainly on choices that a student would have to make after high school and ways to act within a professional job environment. Photographs and video were taken of the event by The Future Is Mine students. The presentation was well received by both Juniors and Seniors who were actively engaged throughout.
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West Mifflin Showcases Uncommon Choices
The Future Is Mine Organization at West Mifflin Area High School conducted Out of the Box Careers, But In Your Reach on Friday, January 23, 2009 from 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the career experience was to expose students to future careers available to them. The goal for the day was to educate students to the realities of the various professions that they are contemplating, and to educate them to the necessity for the proper postsecondary preparation that would be required.
more...
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East Allegheny Future Is Mine team reaches out to the youth.
On Wednesday December 10th, the East Allegheny High School Future Is Mine team went to Logan Middle School to talk to the 6th grade students about some possible future careers that they would like to pursue.
The students had filled out surveys, and the TFIM students choose the top 10 careers to present. Some of the careers that were discussed were teacher, armed forces, FBI, nurse, video game designer and physical therapist. Both the 6th graders and the TFIM members said that it was a great experience and look forward to working together in the future.
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Calling All TFIM Alumni:
What are you wearing now? |
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We would like to create a database with TFIM Alumni contact, employment, and education information. This information will be used in a database to help better meet the career exploration needs of our current TFIM students. If you are interested in connecting with TFIM students to share some insight on your career exploration journey, serve as a panelist or guest speaker at a TFIM participating school, or even allow a student/s to interview you, please complete the TFIM Alumni registration form.
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| Does TFIM Help Students Get Into College? |
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Only in the sense that TFIM encourages all students to pursue some kind of post-secondary education, whether it's a bachelor's degree, associates degree, apprenticeship program, or other training/certification. We are dispelling the myth that 'getting into a good college' insures success. TFIM believes that knowledge of one's learning style, work style, passion in life, aptitudes, and creating a tool kit of skills to be added to and transferred during one's career path is the foundation of preparing for life after high school.
Go to the What's Out There For Me page to find out more information about FastWeb. FastWeb can help students make the decisions that shape their lives: choosing a college, paying for college, and finding jobs and internships.
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Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion that might fall under one of these categories:
- Ask the Graduate
- Career Stats
- Is It TFIM Worthy?
- Networking Opportunities
- Technical Assistance
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Who Can I Contact in My Community
If so, Student's Forum is a place for you to share your ideas and questions about TFIM with other TFIM students. We created this area to provide a place for TFIM students to share best practices, ask for help and keep in touch with fellow TFIM students. The message boards are updated within 24 hours. All questions and comments are approved by a staff member and then will be posted. Please read the rules before you post on the Student's Forum page.
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| TFIM Participating Schools |
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