FULLERTON : Job Program Gives Teens a Backbone of Basics

It had all the pomp and circumstance of a typical graduation, but instead of diplomas, 31 area teenagers each received $100 and letters of recommendation.

Clad in semiformal attire, the teens were honored at a ceremony Thursday for completing a 12-week job-training program.

The program, “Leaders in Training, Get a Life,” was begun last summer by the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton. Sponsored by the city, local schools and community organizations, it seeks to provide teenagers skills to prepare them for the workplace.

The program included field trips, classroom instruction and volunteer work--all designed to boost participants’ self-esteem and their ability to work with others. The program also helps place the graduates in entry-level jobs.

Keynote speaker Police Chief Patrick E. McKinley told the graduates--all of whom had to maintain a 2.0 grade-point average or higher--to reach for their goals, which include careers in medicine, science, law and sports.

“Don’t listen to the doomsayers, the naysayers,” McKinley said. “You learn to speak and write well and present yourself with energy and enthusiasm and you can rise to the top of any organization you want.”

“I’ve got a lot of self-confidence now,” said Dawn Richardson, 14, who completed the program.

Her parents said the program changed her. “She was a girl who was inward and sometimes caused a lot of trouble,” said Jim Richardson, Dawn’s father. “Now, it’s a complete reversal . . . I’m very, very pleased.”

Edwyn Ruiz, 16, has already applied the skills he learned. He was recently hired at at a local McDonald’s. In fact, he arrived late to the graduation because he was working.

“The program helped me get the job,” Edwyn said. “I learned how to fill out an application, not to leave anything blank and what to say.”

Others said they gained new friendships and a valuable experience they will cherish.

“I learned how to work out problems and talk about my feelings,” said Danielle Araujo, the valedictorian. “I used to keep everything inside because I didn’t feel right voicing my opinion, but now I do.”