Before joining Kollab Youth last summer, Alexandra B. did not know anyone who had come from circumstances like hers and gone on to find professional success. Thanks to Kollab Youth, she now has many examples of just that. By meeting with her Kollab Youth mentor, listening to the first-hand stories from master class hosts and other guest speakers in the Kollab Youth program, she began telling herself, “if they can do it, so can I.”
Kollab Youth Workforce Development Program prepares underprivileged and underrepresented youth in Los Angeles ages 14 – 19 for purposeful futures. The program hosts four cohorts a year where students learn from industry leaders in masterclasses, at in-person field trips, and other special events. Students learn about the benefits and accessibility of attending four-year universities, along with other pathways to success like vocational schools or immediately entering the workforce.
Starting this fall, Alexandra will be attending UC Berkley on a full-ride scholarship. During application season, she was not confident that she would get into such a prestigious school, but decided to apply anyway. The eighteen-year-old says that she doesn't want to be scared by things that are new to her.[mh1]
“Attending UC Berkley means everything to me,” the teenager said. “I am a first-generation American who was born in the Philippines. I feel like I am living my parents dream by getting an education in the United States. This is a big change that most people where I am from never get to experience.”
In addition to the educational opportunities, Kollab Youth gives students and alumni unlimited access to their digital library of scholarship opportunities, internships, and more. Eligible teens also receive a mentor during one or more of their cohorts. Alexandra spoke fondly of her time with her mentor Breesha Hummitsch, who works in Human Relations for Kollab Youth sponsor Target. Alexandra related to Hummitsch’s personal story and journey, giving her another example of someone who could come from adversity and find success.
"We are delighted to learn about Alexandra's full ride scholarship to Berkeley and are confident in her success in whatever she pursues,” shared Mary Hewitt, Kollab Youth CEO. “We're all here to support her during her studies if she needs it—she now has a team of experts and industry leaders cheering her on!”
Alexandra has walked away from Kollab Youth with many life lessons that she intends to take forward with her. She was repeatedly inspired by individuals like Hummitsch who spent time with her one-on-one or with a group. In her own words Kollab Youth taught her, “success is the result of a long-term commitment that small steps and improvements can help to contribute towards long-term goals.”
She went on to add, “I am inspired by the determination and strong will of the people I met through Kollab Youth. It encouraged me to continue towards my own goals, hoping to one day be as successful as they are. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I couldn’t do certain things or that I wasn’t enough. If I continue to work hard to realize my dreams, then success is sure to follow.”
While Alexandra was participating in Kollab Youth, she was also taking a full load of AP classes at school, working hard to ensure her academic success. Although Kollab Youth added another item to her schedule, she said that participating in this program helped develop her time management skills. She was additionally inspired by the people who came to speak with students as they were able to fit a lot of productive things into their days.
Based on Alexndra’s testimony, it’s clear that teens are taking tangible, useful skills from their time with Kollab Youth. Not only are they exposed to a variety of jobs and educational paths, but they learn soft skills that will help them stand out among peers. The benefits of Kollab Youth are bountiful for teens in need in Los Angeles.
Is this something she learned in Kollab, no being afraid to try things or rejection? [mh1]
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