Teen Mentor Program Holds Job Conference

Pregnant teenagers and teen moms interested in careers are the focus of a conference organized by the Teen Mentor Program at Riley High School in Watts on Thursday.

Titled “Preparing to Work,” the conference will feature presentations from representatives of various fields, including the entertainment industry, media, medicine and the retail sector.

To prepare for the conference, Barbara Rhodes, director of the Teen Mentor Program, and student volunteers from Cal State Northridge have familiarized the pregnant girls and teen mothers with career opportunities and the importance of doing volunteer work to gain experience.

“Students from CSUN and myself meet with these girls weekly at Riley High School and work with the students to explore the implication of welfare reform, explore the classified ads to identify areas of interest, complete competitive applications and prepare a resume,” Rhodes said.

The conference concludes with entertainment by CSUN students, who will perform a skit titled “Dressed for Success,” followed by an African drum and dance performance and a poetry reading.

Established 11 years ago by Rhodes, the CSUN-based Teen Mentor Program has provided a wide range of activities for at-risk African American and Latino youths.

The CSUN student volunteers who participate in the program are former inner-city youths whom Rhodes encouraged to give back to the community.

Riley High School is at 1534 E. 103rd St. The conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 677-3380.