Killeen Celebrates Youth Workforce Development through Strategic Partnerships

KILLEEN, TX – September 17, 2024 – Mayor Debbie Nash King and the Killeen City Council proudly recognized thirteen young achievers from Killeen for completing the Career Readiness Certification program, a vital initiative supported by a City of Killeen grant. This program is a collaborative effort with the Student Occupational Awareness and Recognition (SOAR) program, conducted by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.

The Career Readiness program comprises a series of comprehensive workshops aimed at equipping students with essential skills for their future careers. Beginning with self-awareness and goal setting, participants learn to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, utilizing tools such as SMART goals to create personalized career roadmaps.

Subsequent sessions allow students to explore various career pathways, focusing on high-demand occupations in Central Texas. In addition, they develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—critical components for success in today’s job market. Each student recognized today successfully completed all program sessions and assessments, demonstrating their commitment to career readiness.

Charley Ayres, Director of Industry/Education Partnerships, emphasized the importance of these partnerships during his address to the Council. “True economic development and quality of place is achieved through workforce development, and today we celebrate the commitment these students have made to become our next generation of talent.”

The sessions took place at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, showcasing the strength of community partnerships in fostering youth development. Mayor Debbie Nash King presented each student with a certificate and a commemorative coin, honoring their achievements.

The SOAR program aims to expose, educate, and engage students in meaningful career development and decision-making processes. Offering career services to students from grades six through twelve across thirteen school districts, including the Killeen Independent School District, the program provides invaluable resources and insights into labor market trends and career opportunities.

Through collaborative efforts like this, Killeen is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring a robust workforce for the future.