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Cortland Area Communities that Care is holding its annual Youth Conference for 10th grade students, Jump Start 10, on May 24th at SUNY Cortland in the Corey Union. It is modeled after a similar program in Auburn, also called Jump Start 10. CACTC is targeting all 10th graders because it is a crucial time in a high school student’s academic career.
In their 10th grade year, students begin to make choices about the kinds of courses that will help them attend their chosen college or work in a chosen field. For many students, 10th grade is a turning point, a time to get the credits they need to graduate and plan for life after high school.
All students will attend four sessions: Making Choices, It’s Your Community, Future Options, and a Leadership Speak Out. Each session has a specific goal that will supplement some of the skill sets needed for graduation. The day will begin with a motivational speech by Louis Larson who will speak about his experiences in Career Services at SUNY Cortland and now at Ithaca College.
In Making Choices prevention professionals will discuss their experiences in the field. Students will hear stories about real life experiences with drug and alcohol abuse and learn how to make healthy choices for themselves and their peers. Sgt. Boice from the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department, Kimberly McRae Friedman from 7VCASA, and Chad Underwood from Access to Independence are a few of the panelists.
It’s Your Community brings together community and education leaders who understand the importance of giving back to your community. Students will learn how to become a volunteer and opportunities for participating in their community. Being a volunteer and giving back is an important leadership skill and part of being a good citizen. John Suarez from SUNY Cortland, Institute for Civil Engagement, and Amy Johnson from Cortland High School are just two of the panelists.
Future Options will include panelists from the community who own their own business or work in a growing field. What are the rewards and pitfalls of owning your own business? Students will hear great local success stories and gain insight into following their own dreams. Jodi Wainwright from Bangles, Bags, and Bling, and Karina Murphy from The Blue Frog are two businesses that will be there.
In Leadership Speak Out, students will listen to stories from our community leaders and learn what choices helped them become the leaders they are today. How can you become a good leader in school, community, workplace, and home? Students will see how they can gain positive attitudes and attributes to become tomorrow’s leaders. Our community leaders include Judge Julie Campbell, Erik Bitterbaum, Syd McEvoy, Sandy Price, and Marie Walsh.
Youth involvement in school activities and community events are important protective factors that help students make healthy and wise choices in their lives and for their futures. Jump Start 10’s program will help students work for a better future.
CACTC would like to thank the following partner agencies who have donated their time and resources to the event: Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Access to Independence (ATI), Cortland County Youth Bureau, Catholic Charities, Cortland Works Career Center, and Cortland City Youth Bureau.
CACTC is proud to have all area schools participating: Cortland City Schools, Homer Central Schools, Cincinnatus Central Schools, the Cortland Alternative School, McGraw Central Schools, and Marathon Central Schools.
Michele Whalen is the Project Coordinator at Cortland Area Communities that Care. She
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