Columbia Urban League Offers Career Development Opportunities for Teens

This summer, the Columbia Urban League (Columbia, SC) is giving students ages 14 through 19 the chance to develop and expand their career skills.

The organization's Science Technology and Enrichment Program (STEP) pairs students with local organizations that match their career interests, helping them gain valuable employment experience.

"I would publish newspapers and help out and review them to make sure when they publish them it would make sense," said 15-year-old program participant Taeshon Robinson. Robinson enjoyed the experience so much that he wants to do it again next summer.

"I worked at Panorama Newspaper Place. I worked 1-5, and those two weeks were kind of fun. I thought it would be boring, but it was a fun job," Robinson added.

Similarly, Gabrielle Fauntleroy applied to the program five years ago as a 14-year-old. Now, she's back working with STEP to help future generations gain the skills she learned at a young age.

"Now I'm actually in the seat where I can give students jobs and speak to them and help them with orientations and just teach them how to have worksite etiquette," Fauntleroy said.

The program's objective is to provide work experiences that include exposure to global technology and the skills necessary to obtain and maintain gainful employment. 

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