Growing into adulthood and navigating through new financial and career challenges is stressful! We’ve all struggled at some point to file taxes or address workplace conflict. Heck, it’s not easy! And because we are aware of the extra challenges current and former foster youth face, here at Pivotal we’re always thinking of new ways to help our scholars set the foundation for long-term success. 

Ensuring students have access to social capital, networks, and career experience are crucial components to independence and success. That’s why we’re thrilled to launch Pivotal’s Professional Badging Program!

As we gear up for a busy summer internship season (help us secure 50 internships for Pivotal scholars!), we’re equipping our post-secondary youth with everything they need to knock these internships out of the park! Trust us, you will undoubtedly be impressed by their professionalism and business know-how.

Before jumping into that internship, scholars will work to earn their Career Readiness Badge by attending 90-minute, virtual workshops designed to build their professional skills. Throughout the series of workshops, scholars will hone their business technology skills (increasing proficiency with specific tools like Microsoft and Google Suites), practice the best strategies for virtual interviews, learn professional communication skills, and get tips for creating a stand-out resume and personal brand.   

The new badging program kicked off this spring and we’ve already seen youth gain important knowledge and build community with other students in the cohort. Through fun icebreakers, virtual scavenger hunts, and learning games like Kahoot, discussions have erupted around real-life questions and dilemmas like ‘is it okay to add your boss or coworkers on Facebook?’ We’ve all been there and it’s a tough one! With a killer curriculum, encouraging instructors, and the camaraderie of each other, scholars are building their career readiness muscles like never before!   

In addition to the Career Readiness track, we’re kicking off the Financial Literacy Badge next month. Collegiate scholars will learn the best tips and tricks for managing money, navigating tax season, and building a budget. 

We can’t wait to see what our scholars will achieve with these new skills under their belts. Before we know it, they’ll be schooling us on all things finance and workplace etiquette!