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 in New Jersey. Tuition is covered by a philanthropic grant, so there is no charge for participation! The program will occur in a hybrid (online and in-person) manner. Online programming will occur via a web conferencing platform. In-person programming will occur at Mercer County Community College (MCCC).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. Transforming society through my work
Program Duration:
The Career Development Academy is planned to occur in a hybrid (online and in-person) manner. Online programming will occur via a web conferencing platform. In-person programming will occur at Mercer County Community College (MCCC). New Jersey 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. Lunch will be provided at 12 PM EST.
Bus transportation may be provided to and from Mercer County Community College (MCCC) and Trenton, NJ on 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, and 6/17
Workshop Dates & Location:
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
| Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Orientation & Screening Program | Online | 10 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, May 20, 2023 | CDA Program | At Mercer County Community College | 9 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, May 27, 2023 | CDA Program | Online | 9 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, June 3, 2023 | CDA Program | At Mercer County Community College | 9 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, June 10, 2023 | CDA Program | At Mercer County Community College | 9 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, June 17, 2023 | CDA Program | At Mercer County Community College | 9 AM - 12 PM EST |
| Saturday, June 17, 2023 | Graduation Ceremony | At Mercer County Community College | 2 PM - 3 PM EST |
Apply online by May 11, 2023.