FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Fort Eustis Child Youth and School Services recently introduced the HIRED Program, a preparation and apprenticeship program open to 15- to 18-year-old teens whose parents or guardians are active-duty military or Department of Defense civilian employees.
The twelve-week program, which began in 2009, is offered four times a year, and coincides with the school and seasonal calendar year.
According to Renete Barnett-Morgan, the program director, the program was created to provide youths with workforce and secondary education training to better prepare them in finding a job.
"The 'HIRED' moniker encompasses the two main components of the program," Barnett-Morgan said. "Being 'HIRed' - working in a paid position - and 'EDucation'-- participating in the workforce."
Dashka Ezouard, a 17-year-old high school senior at Woodside High in Newport News, Va., heard about the program from her mother, and was very interested in joining the team. Dashka currently works at the General Smalls Inn as a desk clerk, now in her second term with the program. She said she plans on doing a third before she graduates this spring.
"I love working here, it's awesome," she said. "I've learned teamwork, punctuality, and how to be calm and collected in certain situations."
Dashka plans to attend college, earn her degree, and join the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school.
Before participating, teens must be registered at the Middle School and Teen Center through CYSS parent central services. Additionally, participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA prior to entering and while participating in HIRED.
After completing registration, they must complete six pre-training workshops, including three workforce preparation classes, two secondary education classes and one financial readiness class.
The spring term begins March 19 and runs until June 9. Applications are being accepted for the summer term, which begins June 11 and runs through Aug. 31. The first term of the 2012-2013 school year is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 16 to Dec. 9.
To register or for more information, contact CYSS parent central services at 878-4025 or 878-1564, or visit their location at Fort Eustis in Room 100 at 650 Monroe Ave.