Olivet Boys & Girls Club has partnered with Reading Area Community College to pilot a workforce training program for Olivet Team members. The goal of the program is to continue to strengthen the Club’s ability to serve youth and families in addition to building a workforce pipeline and the future career potential of Team members.
According to the Office of Child Development/Early Learning, Berks County is considered to be of moderate/high risk as only an estimated 7,851 children are served through early childhood education programs out of a population of 24,336.
There is considerable need to move individuals working within the educational and social service sectors along a career pathway, starting at the Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential eventually leading to the associate and baccalaureate degree level.
“As President and CEO of Olivet Boys & Girls Club, one of my top priorities is to provide meaningful professional development opportunities for staff” says Olivet Boys & Girls Club President and CEO, Chris Winters.
“While many organizations and businesses struggle with hiring and high turnover rates, it is of utmost important to invest in our staff so they see a future with Olivet and can advance their professional careers. We are thrilled to partner with Reading Area Community College for this innovative pilot program to meet the educational needs of our staff. This is a win-win for staff and the youth that we serve.”
In partnership with RACC, Olivet will create two cohorts of Club Team members (10 members each) to earn their Childhood Development Associate (CDA) certificate.
“Elevating and vitalizing the youth and families of this community is deeply embedded in the mission of Reading Area Community College” said RACC President, Dr. Susan Looney. “We are very proud to collaborate with Olivet Boys & Girls Club on an initiative that will continue to build educational and social service pathways to address this critical need.”
Training and coursework will focus on child development, classroom management, and programming and opportunities to learn and skills that teach academics and enrichment. The first cohort of Club Team members will begin coursework on October 12th, 2022.
The pilot program for Olivet Team members will be free of charge with funding for tuition, books, and supplies provided through a grant obtained by RACC and Olivet through the Justamere Foundation.
