By Jacque Cordle, Director, Marketing and Community Relations, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

As summer approaches for students, the prospect of a productive break looms large. For many, it’s a time to catch up on sleep, binge-watch favorite shows, or hit the beach. But for an increasing number of high school students, and recent graduates served by E. H. Gentry Facility’s (EHG) JumpStart Program, summer is not just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to dive into an enriching three-week journey designed to ignite their interest in the world of work. This dynamic program blends practical experience with educational and fun activities to provide a comprehensive introduction to employment.

Internships: The Gateway to the Professional World

Internships have become the gold-standard for summer work. For JumpStart students, they’re the ticket to exploring career paths and gaining industry-specific experience - and a paycheck! At the heart of this trend is Austin Hayes, a 2024 graduate of Alabama School for the Deaf who thrived in the JumpStart program, and especially enjoyed his experience at Majestic Caverns.

“When Isis Mann, the Director of Employment Services at E. H. Gentry, called me to ask if Majestic Caverns would participate in JumpStart, it was an automatic yes,” said Crystal Story, General Manager of Majestic Caverns. “I know how important this program and these future business leaders are to our community. The best part is that Austin has already applied for a job at Majestic Caverns! Building this pipeline of strong employees is so important to our economy!”

According to Hayes, this has been one of his best summer experiences. “I have enjoyed everything about JumpStart. Not only did I get hands-on experience in different jobs, I learned how to write my resume, interview for jobs and other skills that will make me a successful employee.”

Hayes' experience reflects a broader shift. Internships today offer more than just a foot in the door; through the JumpStart program, internships provide a chance to work on meaningful projects, make professional connections and sometimes even land a full-time job offer.

Part-Time Jobs: Skills Beyond the Classroom

Partnerships with local businesses, whose management and employees support the goal of JumpStart, provides students with a safe place to learn and practice customer service, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Robert Smith, Operations Manager at Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, agrees. “These students have done a tremendous job this summer. They arrived on their first day very motivated and ready to work, from there it was easy to help them learn how to work together as members of a larger team in a professional environment.”

Part-time jobs provide a wealth of experience that’s transferable across various fields. They offer a chance to develop soft skills and work ethic that are essential in any professional setting. Thelonius Sylvester, a rising Junior at Alabama School for the Blind, found the various jobs to be the most rewarding part of JumpStart. “I got to work at a local coffee shop, Daily Grind, in the morning then go work at Majestic Caverns or at AIDB’s Joe Tom Armbrester Agriscience Center in the afternoon. Only through JumpStart would I have been able to go from making and serving food in the morning to customer service or working on the farm in the afternoon. I got so much experience, and even got paid!”

Nyzier Posey found the experience helped him grow outside of just the professional experience.

"JumpStart is a great program where you learn a lot and experience new jobs, but it has also helped build up my communication skills. I used to be very quiet but this taught me how to talk to people who I didn’t know before. It teaches you how to always be flexible because sometimes it doesn’t go exactly as you thought it would. It teaches you how to adapt."

Volunteering: Making an Impact While Gaining Experience

Each JumpStart session includes a volunteer component to empower students to embrace their own potential to be agents of positive change in their own communities around Alabama. This year, students volunteered with United Way of North Talladega County and helped conduct a food drive for citizens of the local community.

“I’ve always thought that work wasn’t supposed to be fun,” said JumpStart student Celindia Martin. “I got to help people and learn to be flexible and plan ahead.”

The Power of Reflection and Planning

Each day at JumpStart kicks off with Job Readiness Class, which gives students an opportunity to share their personal experiences and reflections, offering valuable insights into their journey and growth. This peer-to-peer approach to learning provides an opportunity for students to share and discuss diverse perspectives, leading to a more well-rounded understanding. It also brings a sense of the boardroom into the classroom, offering students the opportunity to collaborate through discussion.

“All of us at E. H. Gentry are proud to support and inspire the next generation of professionals through this engaging and impactful summer experience,” said Isis Mann, main organizer of the JumpStart program. “JumpStart has changed summer from a mere break from school to a critical component of career development. Students are seizing this time to gain real-world experience, develop valuable skills, and explore career paths.