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Legislative Site Visits – Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership March 5, 2010 In early March, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) organized a “Connecting Activities” school-to-work site visit for local legislators. The Connecting Activities program – a partnership of the WIB, Bristol Community College (BCC), and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, has operated for over a decade and has yielded significant and tangible results for students by placing them in internships. The program impacts many students, engages local businesses, and is highly cost effective. Rep. Stephen Canessa; New Bedford City Councilor Steven Martins; and aides from Rep. Antonio Cabral’s and Sen. Mark Montigny began their visit at the Capeway Veterinary facility in Fairhaven, MA where they met Lacey Brum, a student who has been working throughout the year as a veterinary intern. Lacey revealed that her experience encouraged her to apply to college. She has been accepted to Salem State College and intends to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Veterinarian Dr. Philip Gaudet, and Practice Manager, Cindy Brehaut praised Lacey, stating that interns initially shadow the technicians and veterinarians, but many are able to perform higher level functions over time. Lacey has been a “quick study” and a tremendous asset to the animal hospital. She has found the Connecting Activities experience extremely rewarding and plans to work part time at Capeway over the summer. From there, the group visited Roosevelt Middle School where they met interns, Kyle Duarte and Matthew Correia. Kyle and Matt have been working with Physical Education teachers Lisa Thibeault and Jeremy Tilton in fitness exercises. Principal Darcy Fernandes praised the work of the high school interns, both of whom have gained admission to UMass Dartmouth, in large measure as a result of their internship experience. Both interns were graduates of the Roosevelt Middle School and were happy to be back working with the students. Despite the positive impact of the Connecting Activities program, it is currently facing a financial crisis. Five of the six participating schools have agreed to provide some financial support, but without at least level funding, that will not be sufficient to maintain Connecting Activities. Approximately $125K in grant funding is all it takes to support the two full-time BCC Employer Specialists and the single Employer Recruiter from the Chamber. Between 700 and 800 young people from six local school districts are served through the partnership annually, working with about 200 area employers. In addition, the program leverages about $1.6 million in employer paid wages to interns. Level funded for a number of years, funding was slashed to only $75K for FY 10, dropping well below the threshold needed to sustain Connecting Activities. Statewide, a minimum appropriation of $4.12 million will be needed to maintain level funding. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |