Around the UFT
UFT Career and Technical Education Youth Empowerment Day
Laying out career choices
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Bruce Cotler
CTE teacher Alexander Bell speaks to the group.
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Bruce Cotler
Anthony Harmon (at podium), the UFT director of parent and community outreach, moderates a panel discussion featuring (seated, from left) Patricia Robinson of radio station WBLS, Mia Hall of the Brooklyn Nets and Police Lt. Donzel Cleare.
“It’s a great event to raise the awareness of inner-city kids and bring them up to speed on what’s out there,” said Alexander Bell, a CTE teacher at Thomas A. Edison HS in Queens.
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Bruce Cotler
Sterling Roberson addresses the group.
Some 400 students and teachers came from CTE high schools throughout New York City for the daylong event, which was co-sponsored with the Municipal Credit Union, WBLS and Hot 97.
The kids heard from panelists who came from similar backgrounds and neighborhoods as they had, and have achieved successful careers in everything from computer programming to law.
“These panelists don’t just give a speech and run,” said Sterling Roberson, the UFT vice president for CTE high schools, who was instrumental three years ago in creating what has become an annual event.
“They talk to students. They give them their contact information. They listen. It’s about information, opportunity and access. For these kids in particular, who may not have any of those, that’s powerful stuff!”