A group of students enrolled in OCDE’s alternative education program recently spent a week learning what it takes to be successful in the workplace, culminating with a shopping trip to Working Wardrobes for some professional attire.
“My kids got so much out of this,” said Ruth Ramirez, who teaches at the 17th and Ross site for OCDE’s Alternative, Community, and Correctional Education Schools and Services program, also known as ACCESS.
About 10 students from Ramirez’s class participated in Career Success Week from Feb. 27 through March 3. Organized by ACCESS staff members Kristin Lomeli, Jenna Lockhart and Karla Campos-Fuentes, the week presented a series of workshops that included mock job interviews, goal-setting exercises and tips on how to maintain a professional image, along with information on post-secondary educational options and potential career paths.
On the final day, Friday, March 3, the students took their trip to Working Wardrobes, where they were treated to nice outfits suitable for job interviews. Ramirez said each student was assisted by a personal shopper.
“It was amazing to see the increased confidence level of students when they changed into their formal outfits that included suits, belts, shoes and other accessories,” she said.
Check out their transformation in our gallery above.