Thanks to Brevard Achievement Center’s Practical Application of Career Exploration (PACE) program, high school Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students can learn the skills necessary to secure a job before graduation. PACE program students are taught skills like resume’ writing, the do’s-and-don’ts of a successful interview and what to do when the interview is over. Plus, to ensure students are well prepared, volunteers conduct mock interviews before the academic year ends.
“Approximately 495 students in 12 of the 14 Brevard public high schools went through the PACE program just this year,” said Robert Gramolini, vice president of employment services. “We couldn’t provide mock interviews for all of these students without a lot of help!” Two examples of students who have benefitted from the program are Matt C., a sophomore at Heritage High School, and Bob J., a senior at Merritt Island High School.
“Not many students want to learn about how to better handle their finances,” said BAC’s School Services Coordinator, Mandee Jones. “But that’s not the case with Matt. He has big aspirations after college. Matt is eager to learn ‘real life’ skills now so he can better prepare for the future.
BAC’s Marketing and Development Director, Roz Weiss, conducted Matt’s mock interview. ‘Matt wanted to interview to be a video game designer and future owner of a video game design studio,” Weiss said. “But what I didn’t realize until we got further into the interview how much he truly wanted this. He had already researched what he needed to do to achieve his dream. This kid blew me away!”
Not only has Matt already toured Full Sail in Orlando, but he says it will be the place where he will study video game design. He also has enrolled in a Waste Management-sponsored program at Heritage High School. And, once successfully completed, the program promises employment with the company.
“I told my parents that there was no way I was letting them pay for my college,” Matt said. “I plan to work for Waste Management long enough to earn the tuition I need to attend Full Sail.”
The PACE Program Inspired Bob, too.
Bob is just as ambitious as Matt. He currently owns and operates a landscaping business with two part-time employees, is a member of the JROTC at Merritt Island High School and has plans after graduation to become a police officer. Ultimately, he wants to join the ranks of the Central Intelligence Agency. And, thanks to the PACE program, he has become more determined to achieve this goal.
“The PACE program helped Bob come out of his shell,” said Mrs. Wilson, Bob’s ESE teacher at Merritt Island High School. “He is more outspoken now and willing to have a conversation. Bob also has gotten more strategic with his business and focused on his academics so he can be more successful after graduation.”
Hundreds of high school students in ESE classes throughout the Brevard Public School System have utilized BAC’s PACE program over the past 14 years. The curriculum can be tailored to fit a private school’s needs as well.
To find out more about BAC’s customized school services, contact Bob Gramolini or call (321) 632-8610 ext. 228.
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