SubscribeLibraries Participates in Philadelphia Youth Network’s WorkReady Program for Second Summer
The Libraries welcomed three new faces to the staff during summer 2012 -- WorkReady students Titus Matthews, Jada Robinson and Ola Sharaf. The three worked at the Libraries for several weeks during their summer break, building professional skills and gaining insight into the world of higher education.
Titus is now a senior at George Washington Carver High School for Engineering and Science, while both Jada and Ola will be entering the Community College of Philadelphia [CCP]. The students all have an interest in the sciences and hope to pursue careers in computer engineering, criminology and engineering, respectively.
The Philadelphia Youth Network’s WorkReady Program matches over 5,000 young people to summer employment opportunities and service programs where they can build skills to prepare for their eventual careers.
Titus worked with the Libraries’ Systems Department, where he was able to build upon his computer skills and learned how create networking and other computer cables. “I really learned a lot about computers and working with the systems department was fun,” he said.
Ola and Jada both worked with the Libraries’ Circulation Department, where they were able to interact with patrons. “I enjoyed just being in the library during the program,” Ola said, “it was a chance to see what the students were like.”
The strongest benefit they received from their time at the Libraries, both Ola and Jada agreed, was the chance they had to see what Drexel was like and how the students behaved in the Libraries. As they both prepare to transition into four-year institutions, this chance to get a glimpse at college life seemed to provide a little extra confidence for the road ahead.
“Working in the Libraries [both Hahnemann Library and W. W. Hagerty Library] has given me a better understanding of how the library works. I think this will help me in the future – I might try to get a job at the CCP library when I return in the fall,” Jada said.
About WorkReady Philadelphia
WorkReady Philadelphia is a city-wide youth workforce development system which is funded through a blending of public, private sector and philanthropic investments. Participating youth earn at least minimum wage, and participate for 120 hours over the six-week period.
