VERMONT WORKS FOR WOMEN AND RANDOLPH TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER HOST ANNUAL CAREER CHALLENGE DAY FOR 6TH-9TH GRADE GIRLS
Vermont Works for Women and Randolph Technical Career Center (RTCC) are hosting Career Challenge Day on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Career Challenge Day is an opportunity for 6th-9th grade girls and gender non-conforming youth in RTCC’s sending region to try hands-on, fun and engaging activities in a supportive environment that are connected with programs at RTCC where girls are underrepresented, such as Auto Technology, Diesel Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction & Building Trades, Digital Media, Criminal Justice, and Diversified Agriculture. Vermont Works for Women provides empowering activities at the start and end of the program to encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and expand what they believe is possible for their future pathways. The supportive environment, paired with hands-on activities, builds confidence and a sense of empowerment, and begins to break down barriers and gender norms.
Press is invited to make arrangements to visit Career Challenge Day at Randolph Technical Career Center (17 Forest St, Randolph, VT 05060) this Thursday, November 21st between 9am and 1pm. More than 90 students from local elementary and middle schools in RTCC’s region are expected to attend. Students will get the opportunity to change a car tire, use a CNC router, try a plasma cutter, make apple cider, operate a camera to record a film scene, and much more.
The absence of role models and lack of exposure to career options are two key factors that prevent women and girls from advancing in career fields where they are currently underrepresented. Additionally, women in Vermont tend to dominate fields where wages are significantly lower than fields dominated by men. This has serious economic implications for women; 43% of VT women who are working full time do not make enough money to meet basic living expenses. Vermont girls need exposure to a wide range of careers and activities to inspire them to think outside the box, and expand what they believe they are capable of and what is available to them.
“The goal of Career Challenge Day is to provide a fun, safe, engaging environment where participants feel comfortable taking a risk and trying new things,” says Alison Lamagna, Director of Career Education and Gender Equity for Vermont Works for Women. “The result is a greater understanding of all the options available to them as they begin to think about careers and their futures. The hands-on nature of every activity provides an empowering experience where participants walk away with a greater confidence in themselves. It also breaks down the stigma still associated with career and tech education in Vermont and allows students the chance to interact and explore their local tech center, and learn about all of the enriching educational opportunities available there.”
About Randolph Technical Career Center: RTCC is a leader in proficiency based learning and can offer students an opportunity to excel in their career choice through academic instruction, hands on learning, and authentic practice. It is also a community of students from seven sending schools, and an accomplished and award winning staff and faculty that help them prepare for their future. Students can apply to a wide range of different programs that will lead them down the path towards a career after graduation or towards a number of accredited colleges and universities. http://orangesouthwest.org/rtcc
About Vermont Works for Women: The mission of Vermont Works for Women is to help women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue, and excel in work that leads to economic independence. Its three strategic program areas are: moving women into employment success; investing in girls to empower the next generation; and advocating for large-scale culture change for women and girls. Learn more at vtworksforwomen.org
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