Partnering for Job Readiness Training

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)"No one should have to pay to go to school," said Deborah Grinder. "Too many grants and scholarships are wasted because people don’t know about them.”  Grinder (at left in photo), RN and Contract Liaison Kaiser Permanente for UFCW Local 400, spent time recently with students in the Covenant House job readiness program who are interested in pursuing careers in the health care industry. Speaking from her own experience, she provided the students valuable information on how to pay for their educational goals with scholarships and grants. Some students, like Jonathan Marshall (at right in photo), had completed training in the industry but haven’t been able to find a job.  Grinder provided key tips on tailoring his resume to the industry and the employer and highlighting his keys skills and experience. “Looking for a job is a full-time job, you have to be organized.”  Grinder advised students to be smart about their career goals and the education needed and to do their homework before thinking about taking on student loans, “Student loans follow you forever. I went to school for free; other people should be able to go.”  In addition to her time, energy and experience, Grinder also donated the “The Ultimate Scholarship Book” as a permanent resource for Covenant House. UFCW 400 and RN Grinder have been active supporters of the work of the Community Services Agency and their partnership with Covenant House of Greater Washington’s job readiness program for at-risk youth in the DC area. - report/photo by Yvette De La Cruz