United Way LINC (Lead. Impact. Network. Change) in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami recently spearheaded a three-part mentorship series focusing on our community’s youth. The workshops in late March helped champion hope, provide insights and mentor young minds in our community through a combination of virtual and socially distanced in-person opportunities.
The series kicked off with a career exploration workshop in which the LINC mentors worked with high school students through interactive career conversations. Twenty-one LINC volunteers, young community leaders in their “day jobs,” supported 45 students in individual and small-group discussions to explore career options in business, IT, nursing, law, hospitality and more.
Less than a week later, LINC volunteers held more discussions with another 130 students in a follow-up session, and a week after that, LINC was back with more volunteers to help pack college care kits for students moving on to college. 200 baskets of essential supplies (everything from hygiene items and school supplies to snacks) for incoming college students were packed to help create a path to success for college day one. Having this kind of assistance from mentors who are only a few years older who easily recall their own first days in college is an invaluable boost for many students.
According to Eric Milton, a LINC executive committee member, these events, “show how LINC can help support partner organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, even virtually. The…events so far have gone very well, and we feel the mentees got valuable guidance as they are close to moving from high school into college.” Milton went on to note that the benefits go both ways, too. “Our members also got to interact more directly with each other, something that has been difficult due to the Pandemic. Overall, (we are) very excited with how both the Career Exploration Workshop and the Networking Discussion went.”
Gale Nelson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, agreed and said, “Teaming up with the United Way LINC group for our Career Exploration Series has been incredible. The opportunity for young professionals to engage with our high school students paves the way for a brighter future and a stronger Miami”
Presenting sponsors of the workshops were Greenberg Traurig and José Milton Foundation with supporting sponsors Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel, BAC Florida Bank and Blanca Commercial Real Estate.
View photos from this event here.