Explore Careers • Build Skills • Get Paid
What is Mitchell Connect?
Mitchell Connect is a program of the Buladean Presbyterian Church that connects Mitchell County students with paid summer employment aligned to their career interests.
The program enables students to gain hands-on work experience through placement with local businesses. It also provides support through mentorship, and personal development through life skills training all with the aim of developing successful community members.
How does it work?
We partner with Mitchell County High School, Mayland Early College High School, Private High Schools and home schooled students to identify the students who would most benefit from the program and can be matched up with a local employer for their career interest.
Is there a cost to the students?
There is no cost for the student to participate in this program. Funding is being sourced through a variety of grants and donations, such as Resourceful Communities Creating New Economies Fund, High-Country Charitable Foundation, and the Buladean Presbyterian Church.
What does the One-Week Life Skills Course look like?
The one-week life skills course will take place before a student starts their six-week internship and will cover the following topics;
- effective communication
- time management
- managing conflict
- money management
- use of bank account
- creating budgets
- income tax
- planning and preparing for jobs
- applications/resume and interviewing
- healthy eating/exercise
- use of social media
- importance of gratitude
- maintaining safe and health work environment
- avoidance of drugs and unhealthy choices
- goal setting and more.
These topics will be presented/taught by qualified professionals. The students will be expected to participate in the learning activities and are held accountable for their learning through a post-test and post-employment evaluation. The students will receive stipend of $200 after completing the Life Skills Course.
How does the paid internship work?
Based on the career interest of students, local employers will be sourced for partnering with the program and provide students with a paid six-week job opportunity. The job will provide meaningful work experience for the students in various trades and professions. The student will be paid the employer’s hourly rate of the job, half of which will be funded by the program and half by the employer. Students will be expected to work no less than a 30-hour work week. The program will provide students with tools and uniforms for their specific job, if needed. Students will be paid by employer for hours worked (pay rate and hours determined by employer).
What's involved with the mentorship?
Mentors from the Buladean Presbyterian Church, and other north end churches, will be paired up with a student and will connect weekly to provide support and encouragement relating to their development in the workplace.
What's the timeline of the program?
Applications - March – April:
Student applications are collected and reviewed by the selection committee. The selected students will attend an interview/mentee meeting.
Meet Employer - May:
Selected students will meet their employer along with a Mitchell Connect member and mentor.
Welcome Dinner - June 7:
There will be a Meet and Greet/Welcome dinner for the students, parents, employers, mentors and the Mitchell Connect team.
Life Skills Course - June 8–12:
The Life Skills Course will take place 9am – 2 pm each day at the Buladean Presbyterian Church. Lunch will be provided. Transportation will be provided if needed.
Internship - June 15-July 24:
Six-week paid apprenticeship (employer sets pay and hours)
Graduation Dinner - July 26:
Graduation dinner with students, parents, employers, mentors and Mitchell Connect members.
Evaluations - August 10:
Students, Employers and Mentors evaluations are due.
For more information about Mitchell Connect, contact Glenda Shuffler: 404-432-2548 / or via email at info@mitchellconnect.org.