Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Eckerd and Barry University Partner to Improve Career Opportunities for Former TroubleSouth Florida youth earns job after completing apprenticeship with master percussionists
By: Eckerd Three youth in the Eckerd Project Bridge program studied with master percussionists for 12 weeks as an apprenticeship and earned $15 an hour for lessons and leading workshops. The funds covered a total of 75 hours for each apprentice, or $1,125. On April 17, the apprentices opened the monthly Big Night in Little Haiti concert at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in a concert with the master percussionists. On May 31, at the Gato Gallery at Barry University the youth and master percussionists presented a concert recital. Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) praised the efforts of both organizations for their innovative partnership to address the challenges currently faced by youth with little career hope. “Thanks to the partnership between Eckerd Project Bridge and Barry University, these once at risk youth are being given the opportunity to turn their lives around. Apprenticeships such as these are preparing our youth to join Florida’s workforce and ensure their successful transition into adulthood,” said DJJ Secretary Christina K. Daly. As part of the grant, youth who have completed their apprenticeship have the opportunity to be hired to teach the craft they have just studied. “Drumming has played a powerful historical role in transforming lives in the Caribbean,” explains Dr. Celeste Fraser Delgado, a humanities professor at Barry University who directs the apprenticeship program. “We see that same power of transformation in the lives of youth in South Florida.” About Eckerd: Eckerd Project Bridge is a program of Eckerd, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 168,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968. Through a contract with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Eckerd Project Bridge serves six circuits in the South Region by helping 127 on any given day transition back into their home communities after spending time in a DJJ residential facility. To learn more visit www.eckerd.org. Follow us on Twitter at @eckerdyouth and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/ End
Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse
|
|