In celebration of Lights on Afterschool, Raise a Child of the Carolinas (RACC) partnered with Usher’s New Look Foundation and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Ivory Baker Center to host an inspiring career skills workshop for teens, aimed at equipping them with the tools to succeed in a technology-driven world.
The program, held October 22-23, provided students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding county schools with hands-on training to develop their personal brand, strengthen their leadership skills, and build a foundation for future success. Teens participated in a variety of activities designed to empower them to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. The workshop introduced the IBM SkillsBuild platform, giving attendees access to more than 1,000 free courses and digital credentials in areas such as technology, leadership, and career development. Participants learned how to build a resume that stands out, enhance their digital presence, and cultivate the leadership qualities essential in today's competitive job market.
“Through this workshop, we aimed to provide our teens with the skills and confidence they need to create their own opportunities in today’s tech-driven economy,” said Shaguana Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of Raise a Child of the Carolinas. “Partnering with Usher’s New Look and the Ivory Baker Center allowed us to reach even more students and help them prepare for the future.”
In addition to the leadership and technology skills taught, students were granted an exclusive backstage tour at the Usher's Past, Present, and Future tour. They had the pleasure of chatting with industry professionals to learn about the various careers, education required, and tips to be happy and successful at their career choice.
The career skills workshop is part of RACC’s broader mission to uplift and empower youth through education, mentoring, and skills development. By creating these critical learning opportunities, RACC continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.