Senior College/Career Readiness Week

The Van Buren Community School in conjunction with the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition, The Van Buren County Sherriff’s office, local financial institutions and Iowa Works are putting on an educational event for graduating seniors. This week will consist of sessions that graduating seniors will attend each day to help better prepare them for their exit from high school and entrance into college or the career world.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s office will hold a session on personal safety. They will talk to the students about the importance of being aware of their surroundings, some basic self-defense and safety information they need to know if they are moving to a larger city to attend college, the military or start their career.

Three local financial institutions will provide financial education and safety information to the students. Community First Bank, Libertyville Savings Bank and Farmers and Traders bank will share information on identity theft, financial security, credit card safety and money management. This session will have great information for the students to help them be fiscally smart as they leave high school.

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition will be providing the students with information about drug and alcohol safety as they leave high school. Many students will be exposed to many new things as they leave Van Buren County and they want ensure they are prepared for the dangers of these drugs and the long term problems they may cause for their future.

The students will spend one day taking the national career readiness certification. This test will provide them with a score that employers will be looking for in the future as they hire new employees into the workforce. NCRC is a great opportunity for students because it increases employment opportunities and helps build a resume.

The final session the students will be a part of is Iowa Works A-Game training. This session will teach the students about good work habits and soft skills that they will need as they enter the workforce. This session will be high energy and a lot of fun for the students as well as providing them with crucial life lessons.

For more information about senior week you may contact Julie Chapuis at the Van Buren Community School- 319-293-3184 or Heidi Bainbridge at the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition 319-293-6412.