Spring CCC and Recruitment Kickoff 2012

Tou Thao speaking to Class 4 students about his college experience

Tuesday, January 3^rd marked the Spring Kickoff for Genesys Works' Career and College Connections program and student recruitment. Our current class of young professionals gathered as the excitement began to build for all of the new things happening this upcoming year. Eleven alumni from Classes 2 and 3 came prepared to share some words of wisdom about their college experiences thus far.

The event kicked off with a chance to mingle amongst Genesys Works friends, staff, and alumni, strengthening the generational family and rekindling the resolve to break through the barriers that have held so many back from achieving their full professional potential. As the chatter died down, the alumni gathered upfront to provide some words of wisdom for our current class of young professionals. Taela Fullilove, a Class 3 alum, shared how much scholarships played a role in her being able to afford college. She is attending Iowa State University and her tuition expenses are completely covered. Tou Thao, who currently attends Polytechnic Institute of New York University, was able to give a different perspective about what he has learned since being so far away from his family. Our alumni were able to lead small groups to allow for more intimate discussions of college to occur.

Class 4 student Christina Nguyen and executive director Jeff Tollefson

Another goal of this kickoff was to increase the energy surrounding student recruitment. We charged all of our students with the task of being ambassadors for Genesys Works. There was quite a buzz as students shouted out recruiting goal numbers for their respective schools. Students ended the night by receiving their Genesys Works embroidered button-down shirts. Now when they walk down the halls of their schools, not only will they be equipped with the skills to articulately speak about Genesys Works, but will don the apparel to promote it as well.