By JaMeko Williams, Director of Career Pathways

 
Pride is overflowing around our city as the 2024 high school graduation season has officially begun. At Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM), we’re gearing up for our annual Pathways to Success Celebration to praise and reward 125 students as they prepare for their next step.
 
Walking across the stage to earn a diploma is a significant achievement that certainly calls for a party, but CISM’s greater goal is ensuring students have the tools to thrive in their chosen pathway when they leave high school. For some, that’s college, but for a steadily increasing number nowadays, it’s the workforce. As the Director of Career Pathways CISM, I’m deeply proud to acknowledge the impactful journey of our Work Experience Program (WEX), a key component within our College & Career Readiness initiative and, in my opinion, the heartbeat of our commitment to empowering students beyond traditional academics.
 
WEX opens doors for career exploration and skill development through internships and part-time jobs. This real-world exposure doesn’t just enhance resumes; it transforms lives. The research speaks volumes. Students engaged in work experiences are more sought after by employers. They excel academically, bolster self-confidence, and sharpen essential life skills like decision-making and financial management. This year alone, our students have collectively earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages through WEX, gaining invaluable experience that sets them apart in a competitive job market.
 
We’re so fortunate to partner with local businesses and organizations across Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, and Tipton counties who believe in our mission and offer opportunities to immerse students in diverse career environments. The impact is clear: students emerge with confidence, equipped with vital workforce skills, and ready to excel in professional life.
 
I am so honored and energized by the opportunity to be part of a team that empowers dreams into tangible achievements and cultivates purpose-driven pathways that turn aspirations into realities.
 
CISM will celebrate the achievements of 125 high school graduates at the 2024 Pathways to Success Celebration on June 6th, 2024, and I invite you to join us in sponsoring a student. Let’s make a difference together! 🌟🎓