32 students graduate from the Student Training and Exploration Program

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Posted 5/6/17

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2017 Student Training and Exploration Program (STEP) graduates. Thirty-two students graduated from the program …

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32 students graduate from the Student Training and Exploration Program

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The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2017 Student Training and Exploration Program (STEP) graduates. Thirty-two students graduated from the program Monday, May 1 at Daphne United Methodist Church.

STEP is a four-year leadership and career pathway exploration initiative of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Chamber works in conjunction with the Baldwin County Board of Education, local colleges, technical training facilities and local industries to bridge education with businesses on the Eastern Shore. “Our goal is for students to reach their highest potential for success,” said program director Christina Hellmich.

Over the past four years, students explored high demand career opportunities in South- west Alabama while connecting classroom knowledge with skills needed in the work- place. Students heard from local professionals about how they found their career path, participated in a soft skills workshop where they prepared for future interviews and ex- plored career options at local businesses such as Segers Aero Corporation, Chris Mey- ers Automotive, Daphne Utilities and the Grand Hotel. Students also took advantage of a cash course to understand actual earning possibilities. They will finish out the program by creating a career plan and timeline based on their goals after high school graduation.

“I hope each of our students have become more self-aware, confident and determined,” said Hellmich, “With these tools, we know these students will be well on their way to achieving success.”

This program could not be possible without the dedication and talent of those who help facilitate rewarding days for these students. The STEP program is proud to have the support of the Chamber Board of Directors, especially the Chamber Foundation Chair- man Steve Carey. Our local high schools and counselors also give a great deal of sup- port to make this program possible.

The Chamber would also like to thank the program sponsor Daphne Utilities. Special thanks to the graduation sponsor Old Tyme Feed, sponsor Baldwin EMC and all the lo- cal companies who have given in-kind support throughout the year.