Rocky Point/Sound Beach Scoop

I received an e-mail from M.E. Yannucci with these words of wisdom: "There are many great things about our town and I know with time you and fellow readers will bring this to light." How true is that? This week I want to bring to light the way community business leaders come together to work with the students.

With the school bell less than a month away, our very own Susan Wilson, Rocky Point's webmaster and teacher, is involved with the community as well. Susan is the educational chairperson for the Rocky Point Schools Career Advisory Partnership (RPCAP). Last year, in conjunction with Long Island Works and the CDM Chamber of Commerce, the program laid the groundwork to bridge the gap between business and education. RPCAP is a school-to-work advisory panel comprising business leaders, educators, administrators, local politicians, parents, students and alumni.

Its mission statement includes identifying the critical skills that are, and will be, in demand by employers on Long Island, and developing education, training, information exchange and other initiatives to ensure that Long Island has a properly trained, educated and skilled workforce. Local business leaders volunteer their time to run after-school workshops where students receive one-on-one training, along with essential workplace and career information. In the spring, a business brunch was held at East Wind for the students.

Students were given the opportunity to hear guest speakers discuss a variety of careers including law, science, information technology and the arts. They also learn skills such as interviewing techniques, dressing for success, etiquette and resume writing. The program is designed to help students enter the work force understanding the relevance of their education. The first season was very successful and we hope to build upon that foundation. This program is also available to Rocky Point alumni.

Mike Poveromo, industrial chairperson for RPCAP, noted that the business community is already gearing up to assist Ms. Wilson in any way possible with this very valuable community program.

Many of our students are not sure what profession they would like to pursue after high school. This program gives them the chance to mentor with local business leaders and see whether they enjoy the career they think they want to pursue. Some examples among current RPCAP students: Keith Strittmatter is interning with Coughlin, Foundutus, Cullen & Danowski CPAs and Liz Bonner is working for Paul Basileo Real Estate. Paul is an active member of CAP and reached out offering our students the first chance at a job.

Please visit www.rpcap.org and encourage your child do so also. This is where you'll find all the information on this great program. When your child brings home the form next year and is looking for your guidance, fill out the form and get them to the brunch. Five dollars is a small amount to pay for an informative, educational brunch that could give them direction and motivation.