Life/Career Planning, Redirection, and Retention
The ASK Academy provides “Life/Career Planning”, educational services and resources to middle school, high school and college students. We help students understand the value of education so they can successfully complete high school, enter college and graduate in order to embark upon their chosen career paths. We also help students identify other options such as apprenticeships/certificate programs, military, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Students can then proceed to find work through on-the-job training which can open opportunities within profit/non-profit organizations or become a small business owner.
Our goals are to:
● Work to improve educational and economic opportunities for low-income youth.
● Help students realize that education is the key to a better future. Many are overwhelmed with our age of information. We help students discern and understand “why” when making academic, career, and life choices.
● Show students how to make informed career decisions by introducing them to the self- discovery process. They will explore and identify their values, preferences, interests, skills, desires, and dreams.
● Students will understand the importance of the self-awareness process and how it’s involved in formulating career choices.
● Show students how to make informed decisions using knowledge of current events and trends that are effecting the life/career planning process. This information will empower students to create realistic “smart” objectives to reach their goals and live out their dreams.
● Help students understand how the market/economy cycles effects the “Life Career Planning Process.” This knowledge provides students with information that is paramount to the academic/career planing process. This process nurtures students understanding regarding the realities of life and gives them the confidence to stay in school by knowing the advantages and the need to achieve an education.
● Bridge the socioeconomic divide between affluent communities and disenfranchised populations, and improve the delivery of educational services to the underserved.
● Provide leadership trainings to advocate on behalf of the underserved populations
to enhance educational institutions.
● Produce public events including; music concerts, film festivals, internet, radio, You Tube channels, and public television, to champion underserved students and their cause.
● To address and reduce gang violence and youth incarceration. To build coalitions for community strength, self-sustainability and wellness, and share leadership models for youth to become empowered young adults.
Community of Professionals
ASK Academy have trained over 400 volunteer mentors who make up our unique “Community of Professionals. Many attend our Career Day events to share their knowledge, experience, and also serve as mentors. The number one action step for successful career development is networking. Students are introduced to professionals and their work enviornment. This experience provides students with a realistice understanding of how a professional funtions in their careers, and learns the value of networking.