BTE Student Stories

Share

Last quarter in Jacksonville, Florida, BTE students participated in activities to prepare them for their post-secondary education and career plans with the help of the program’s newest mentors.

Students split into groups where they explored career opportunities, researched and applied to post-secondary institutions based on their career interests, explored options for financing their next steps, began financial aid applications, and articulated their post-secondary plans including the institutions they plan to attend or work for after high school.

Students had expressed an interest in learning more about financial literacy, so BTE Site Coordinators introduced an interactive game called “Budget Frenzy” in which students learned about fixed and variable expenses, made spending decisions while trying to stay within a pre-determined budget, explored the cost of living in various places, and learned how to adjust lifestyles based on different livable incomes.

With the catered resources and near one-on-one support from mentors during these activities, students feel more confident in their post-graduation plans.

Here are some things BTE students had to say about their experience:

“I appreciate the mentors because they take the time out of their own personal lives to come to Englewood High School and talk to us as young adults to help us find out what we want to do in the future. …. The mentors have helped me open my eyes to what my life could possibly be like, and I thank the mentors for helping us out even when they don’t have to. The last reason I appreciate all the mentors is because they continue to show up for us even when we least expect it. To them, our accomplishments are big and that’s a different type of feeling that some people never to get to experience so I thank them.” – Crystal

“I appreciate them giving us different options for work and helping us fill out scholarships and college applications. I had a great experience and I’m glad I signed up.” – Arianna

“I appreciate the mentors because they helped with my decisions after high school, they helped me during the BTE days, and they made it easy for me to believe more in myself and what I can do.” – Trinity

“I appreciate the mentors because they’ve taught me so much throughout the years and I’ve been very inspired by them. They have prepared me a lot for the future after high school and I’m forever grateful for being able to have them guide us.” – Mia

Congratulations to BTE Jacksonville on completing three years with Bridge to Employment. We know you have made the connections and preparations you need to do wonderful things as you take your next steps in your education and careers.

*

For more information on BTE Englewood/Jacksonville, Florida, visit their site page here!