Employment program celebrated

The Charleston Trident Urban League recently celebrated the completion of a six-week employment program for its Youth Leadership Development Academy.

More than 30 foster care youth from around the tri-county area participated in this year’s work-site program. Their successes in the program were recently celebrated with a luncheon at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston.

Many of the students assisted with administrative tasks in Berkeley County government offices.

The goal of the program is to teach workplace skills and instill the values of a strong work ethic, said Leslie Pridgen, director of youth programs for Trident Urban League. The participants received a stipend for their work.

The work-site initiative is also another avenue to expose youth to employment and career possibilities.

The success of the program is a testament not only to the dedication of the students, but of community members who supported the program, Pridgen said.

Several of the job-site coordinators, were on hand for the celebration events and praised the students for their level of commitment to their jobs

“Hopefully we were great role models for them,” said Marietta Hicks, an accountant for Berkeley County.

Otha Meadows, president and CEO of Charleston Trident Urban League ,echoed her sentiments.

“We are working with these young people now to set them up for a lifetime of success and achievement,” he said. “It’s not only about employment, it’s about education and life skills — all critical to growth and development.”