October’s Teen Connection sessions, hosted by the city of Lake Charles, will focus on preparing students for life after graduation.

The seminars are part of the city’s efforts to “create better outcomes” for area youth, said Kimberly Delafosse, assistant city administrator.

Thursday’s program, “Creating Your Scholarship Portfolio,” will be 5-6 p.m. at the Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens Recreation Center, 1619 Cessford St. Students will learn concrete and applicable steps to increase their success in being awarded scholarships and other types of financial aid for college, Delafosse said.

“Any strategy that will simplify the process of getting aid is worth a million,” she said.

The Thursday, Oct. 18, program, “Make an Impression: Successful Interviewing Techniques,” will show students how to move beyond resume-ready to job-ready with the help of community leaders who are at the forefront of hiring.

“Local businesses and industry have really embraced this idea and volunteered their time. We have a community who want to see the best for our kids,” said Mayor Nic Hunter.

Teen Connection sessions are educational in nature and help to develop life skills that aren’t always focussed on in traditional school curriculums, Delafosse said.

Hunter agreed.

“We realize that teachers and counselors have so much on their shoulders and they only have so many hours in the day,” he said. “A lot of times during the school day, kids are so focused on reading, writing and arithmetic that they don’t have time to think about scholarships or job interview skills, but that doesn’t mean that those things aren’t important. Teen Connection allow us to fill that gap.”

Teen Connection sessions are free, require no registration and are open to teens ages 13-18.

The city has partnered with the Calcasieu Parish School Board to provide transportation from LaGrange and Washington-Marion Magnet high schools.

Interested students at either school may inquire of principals or guidance counselors to secure rides, Delafosse said.

For more information on Teen Connection visit, www.cityoflakecharles.com.