GM Doors open for Latino Jr. High students
Warren , MI : On April 22, Latino students from Jones Jr. High, Leverette Jr. High, and East Toledo Jr. High in Toledo took part in the 10th Annual GM Portfolio Design Center Career Experience.
Very early in the morning, the students and teachers boarded a bus that transported them to Warren , Michigan . Once there, the youth were privy to the process GM, the worlds largest auto maker, uses to develop cars for the job market.
The students shadowed a GM design specialist for the day. They learn all the different jobs and skills necessary to introduce a car into the highly competitive auto market.
The career experience was developed by José Luna of Toledo Public Schools and José Limon of the GM Portfolio Design Center. The intent was to expose the students to the career opportunities at the higher levels of the auto business.
According to GM’s Limon and TPS’ Luna, “Students were invited to participate based on the following criteria: good behavior and school attendance, good grades and academic performance, a strong interest in math, science, art and business, a goal of getting an education and pursuing college after high school, and interest in technology and/or technical career paths.”
“We don’t preach, we show. We give the kids a first-hand look at other Latinos—educated and highly skilled engineers, designers, and planners—of the type of environment we work in. Our single hope is that these students be encouraged to finish high school and feel compelled to go to college with the hope that one day they will work in our environment,” said Limon.
“It is a never ending job, helping members of the largest ethnic minority find their place in the career-American dream,” said Luna.
|
