HOW OUR CAREER EXPLORATION ROADMAP HELPS STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES AND IMAGINE THEIR FUTURE

Our Imagining Your Future (IYF) program is more than a mentoring program; more than a career exploration program; and more than workshops, career panels and work experiences. IYF inspires students using several integrated, mutually supporting learning experiences tailored to the needs of each student,  with the guidance of a mentor: 

• • • First, students follow a Career Exploration Roadmap developed and led by Harraseeket Foundation’s Project Director, Leslie Speidel. Leslie brings to IYF many years of experience as a professional career coach for young adults.

Leslie Speidel and Harraseeket volunteers working with students in February

• • • Second, throughout the year, the Roadmap walks students through a curriculum in a series of steps designed to help them develop a personal profile, conduct research, develop goals and action steps, and then take action through networking and immersive career path experiences. Here is a graphic illustration of the Roadmap and its component parts:

• • • • Third, while we work on the Roadmap in group sessions, each student experiences IYF differently. They are in different grades, work at their own pace and set different goals for themselves, depending on what types of careers resonate with them. The sessions include trained mentors available to work in smaller groups and individually as needed.  
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      • Fourth, each IYF student is matched for regular 1-on-1 meetings with a trained mentor who acts as an additional adult in their lives – an adult with wisdom and experience. We encourage mentors to guide their conversations with students according to what the students wish to discuss. It might be about their progress through IYF, but often it is about life issues and challenges students face.

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      • Fifth, we encourage IYF students to try new experiences: externships (for 12th graders), internships, job shadowing, informational interviews or field trips to places of work. We are fortunate that almost 200 employers have already participated or expressed interest in getting involved! 

With your help, we are changing lives by opening students’ eyes, ears and hearts through guidance, encouragement and the confidence that comes from experience.

Would you like to help us change lives?

HARRASEEKET IN THE NEWS!

Leslie Speidel is quoted on the challenges of school curriculum development and planning for life after high school in an article in Black News & Views co-authored by an intern at Youthcast Media Group (YMG). YMG is a Harraseeket partner offering work experiences and mentoring for students at Wakefield High School and Herndon High School who tell video stories about current issues of importance to students.  

COMING SOON: OUR FIRST SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN!

We could not be doing the work we’re doing without our donors, most of whom have donated multiple times. Thank you! To help us budget confidently for expansion, we need to build a base of sustaining members who commit to give monthly. Stay tuned for details!  In the meantime, no need to wait if you wish to donate now!