Fund Drive for Work-Study Programs

As many of my fellow Crucians have noted, therehas been a shift in the knowledge and drive of newly graduated high school students in entering the workforce. In two schools, we are attempting to create work-study options for students to work under a mentor while also receiving both a stipend for their work, and an introduction to key concepts in the area of work.

we envision this becoming a standad part of many schools, however that will be based on one to two pilor programs that are being created through dedication and grit, rather than through funding stream.. As one of the key concepts is tol learn to importance in multiple ways of earning and managing stipends for ork, we are asking for you, the community, the help make this pilot a success tat can then be epeatedin other scools. Our hope is that each aprticipant will come out with a heightenied skill in some aea given he moenoring, to increase the sense of self and coccomplishment, and to provide some tools for life.

As such, and although we areappraching possible larger donations,, it ispivotal that we receives some support in eaabling this to happen. As such, we are asking ourcommuniymembers ifat al possiblet to oontribue from $1.00 and up. You will receive a tax decutible letter for you generosity, as wwll as information on how your contribution has benefitted this new generation on the cusp of entering the world of work.

Your cotriution will be provide directly to a school,, and the impact it has had on the students involved. We are on the verge of an increase in jobs on our island of Croix, and yet most of our students do not have basicknowlege regardingwork skills,moneymanagement and otherkey issues that will enable them to become savvy employees in the near future.

If you have any money that can assist these students, please contact me and Iwill provide more information as to how it will work, and how it will not only benefit the students, butthe community as whole.

Any support you may consider would be tremendously appreciated. We are starting these programs without funding, and our hope is that the community will see the need to invest in itself.''

With great apprecuatuibm''''

Dan Gilbride, MA/MRC
Licensed Educational Consultant
St. Croix, VI

PS: If you kno any person or entity that has a strong commitment to our up and coming workforce, please do letmeknow, and I will follow up onit.

-DjG