CDA Program Overview
Conducted by various industry professionals, inspirational speakers and professors, the Career Development Academy (CDA) features workshops that focus on developing the skills, practices and qualities needed to successfully navigate middle school, high school, and college years as well as adulthood. Morning workshops will be conducted with all participants. Then, concurrent gender-specific workshops will be provided for students, aimed to guide participants through relevant social issues, positively impact their personal development and refine their leadership as well as their communication skills. A follow-up reflection workshop will allow all students to share what they learned with their peers. The program is open to rising 8th-rising 9th grade (current 7th-8th grade) youth who live in Trenton, NJ. Tuition is covered by a philanthropic grant, so there is no charge for participation! In light of the pandemic, the program will occur online via a web conferencing platform.Workshop Topics:
A. Creating and maintaining positive and healthy relationships
B. Maintaining a "winning attitude"
C. Getting to know yourself
D. Building on personal strengths
E. Setting personal and career-oriented goals
F. Goal-setting and time management
G. Developing resilience in pursuit of goals
H. Identifying a positive support system
I. Self-assessment and self-reflection
J. Developing and implementing networking strategies in pursuit of goals
Program Duration:
In light of the continued impact of COVID-19, the 2022 Career Development Academy is planned to occur online, via a web conferencing platform.Participants are required to attend and participate in each online workshop to successfully complete the program. At the end of the program, an online graduation ceremony is held following program completion. During the graduation ceremony, each participant will be recognized with a digital certificate for completing the program along with a gift of up to $100.00. Students receive $20 per session in which they fully attend and participate.
Workshops are conducted each Saturday from 9:00 AM EST - 12:00 PM EST.
Workshop Dates:
Saturday, May 21, 2022: Online Orientation & Screening Program (11 AM - 12:30 PM EST)Saturday, May 28, 2022
Saturday, June 4, 2022
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Saturday, June 25, 2022: Online Graduation Ceremony in the afternoon