Creating better outcomes

Group prepares students for life after graduation

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.

‘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 allows us to fill that gap.’

Mayor Nic Hunter

””

Mayor Hunter speaks to students on entrepreneurship and keys to success in business ownership during May’s Teen Connection session. The City of Lake Charles will offer two Teen Connection sessions this month.

Special to the American Press

SportsPlus

Local News

Firefighter training to be offered to high school junior, seniors

Local News

LCPD complaints delay vote to reappoint police chief

Local News

Kelly Campbell curates a classroom for students where they feel welcomed

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls suffer double loss

life

SW La. nightlife calendar: There’s always something to do

Local News

Trump announces commission on religious liberty, White House Faith Office

McNeese Sports

Traveling man

Local News

Jennings High Key Club using grant to increase access to books

Local News

Program aimed at helping city workers buy homes

Local News

Several area schools named after Black education pioneers, local legends

Crime

LC man accused of going on crime spree

McNeese Sports

Back to their roots

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Second Harvest news unsettling

Local News

Meet the candidates: Five throw hat in ring for mayor’s race

McNeese Sports

SLC games set for McNeese

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls look for four-peat

Local News

UPDATE: Drug charges against veterinarian cleared of rape dropped

Local News

Cassidy, Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary

Business

Waffle House adds surcharge to eggs as massive bird flu outbreak leads to soaring prices

Local News

Federal judge blocks enforcement of La. police ‘buffer-zone’ law

Local News

Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance opens new offices

Local News

NY shields abortion pill prescribers after doctor indicted in La.

McNeese Sports

Cowboys win by a tick

Business

Wall Street swerves lower after Trump announces tariffs and then puts some on hold