Students involved in Champions For Learning programming are getting a better look at what their future career could look like. For two weeks, successful business men and women within Collier County have taken the time to visit Champions For
Learning and speak with students. Topics range from how they began their career, to what they studied in college to what students should be doing today to prepare for a future career.
Alan is a student within Champions For Learning and has aspirations to study biotechnology. He attended the Business and Entrepreneurship lab because he feels that business is used everywhere, even in the medical field.
“I wanted to learn more about the career path process and how I can develop skills that can help me advance towards my preferred career,” said Alan.
Other session that have been available are Communications, Information Systems, Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology, Business, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
“I think that when I was younger and starting my entrepreneurship journey, there were not a lot of resources like this. This is a great resources and I love to be a part of the development of young minds. I think that’s a really cool thing,” said Rafael Feliciano, a guest speaker at the Business and Entrepreneurship session.
Tasheekia Harris is an entrepreneur who founded her own organization, Crowning Daughters for Success. Her mission is to inspire and enhance the diverse lifestyle of young girls and women. She dedicated her time to come and speak to students about starting a business and what that looked like for her.
“I believe if we build strong, children, we will not need to repair broken men. That quote is from Fedrick Douglas. This is the building process. We are in the building process together and this was one brick that I believe will make a huge difference in how our young people think, how they act, and how they pursue their dreams,” said Harris.
Each session has been facilitated by a volunteer. These moderators have helped keep the session on track making sure students get the most out of each. 
Career Exploration labs continue with session regarding Health Sciences, Technology, and Human Services.
If helping students prepare for a future career sounds interesting to you, join us for a Champions 101. These are information sessions that serve as an introduction to who we are, what we do, and how to help.
For Tyler, going to college was only a distant thought. Growing up in a single-parent home, he wasn’t really sure what steps he had to take or how to make college a possibility. Though Champions For Learning he joined the Take Stock in Children Program where he was paired with his mentor Bill Beynon. During his weekly lunch meetings with Beynon where their discussions ranged from the stock market to college planning, Tyler received the guidance he needed to reach his goals.
Tien is in his last year at the University of Florida finishing his degree in Agribusiness with a minor in disabilities in society. He will be continuing his education at the University of Miami pursuing his master’s degree in Aquaculture.
“Champions For Learning has lifted me up during this time and because of the support that I was able to receive in weekly lab sessions, I feel prepared to take on anything that comes my way,” said Lindsay.
