Teens In Work Force Readiness Through Skills USA with help from JC Penney Volunteers

WRITTEN BY MATTHEW HEADY
DIRECTOR OF TEEN SERVICES, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF PORTLAND

With summer right around the corner and teens across the Portland Metro are begin to look for employment we were lucky enough to have volunteers from JC Penney stores visit our Blazers and Inukai Clubs. A pilot program from Boys & Girls Clubs of America brought the Skills USA Customer Service Training curriculum to our teens to help bolster their resume and learn new skills. This certification will help them stand out among their peers as qualified and ready to provide five star customer service in any situation.
At our Blazers Club JC Penney volunteers played problem solving and communication games to help teach the teens how to stay cool under pressure. Everyone was sharing their best and worst experience with customer service and engaged in a Q & A. Our Inukai Teens shared their skills for community engagement and brainstormed ideas on personality traits that make for great customer service staff. Volunteers at both locations made a lasting impact on teens as they were motivated to complete their Skills USA online training and add it to their resumes.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland has been serving youth since 1946. The Clubs provide affordable, quality after-school and summer programs designed to help kids develop the qualities needed to achieve academic success, become responsible citizens and leaders, and live healthy lives. Today, the Clubs have grown to operate six facilities located throughout the Metropolitan area, along with school-based programs in partnership with the Parkrose, Reynolds and North Clackamas School Districts.

About JCPenney Foundation

The JCPenney Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity supporting programs dedication to helping moms by providing underserved kids with clothing needs, youth opportunities such as afterschool programs, and career readiness and development.

About Skills USA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. We provide educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms.