JACKSON, Tenn. — (NEWS RELEASE) Next week, the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce (JMCAACC) will hold registration for new applicants for its Follow Me Into Business® 2017 Summer Jobs Program. Monday through Thursday, March 13-16 of Spring Break Week — parents and guardians of junior high and high school students in Jackson and Madison County can pick up registration packets at Nell Huntspon Flower Box, 351 North Royal St. Completed applications for ages 12-15 must be returned during Orientation and Parent-Child Interview Sessions being held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 10am to 12noon at the Jackson Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette (38301). For more information, call 731.424.2030 or email [email protected].
Founded in 2002, the Follow Me Into Business® youth development and job readiness program is designed to train ages 12 to 18 for success in the business world. Orientation for older applicants, ages 16-18, will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017, from 1pm to 4pm at 357 North Royal Street.
As part of the 2017 summer program, all participants will have the privilege of learning about the business world from corporate experts in manufacturing, banking, media, healthcare and other areas as well as entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Chamber offers separate training sessions for ages 12-15 and ages 16-18.
Using workshops, role play, mentoring, site visits and shadowing, the Follow Me Into Business® program builds poise and self-confidence while exposing young people to the attitudes, mindset and soft skills necessary for success in life and on the job. In addition, the program offers paid summer jobs and/or internships for job-age teens, 16-18, at member businesses during the month of July. For more information, visit www.jmcaacc.org/youth.
Younger participants who complete all eight-weeks of the regular program will receive a $35 stipend (which includes a $5 membership in the youth chamber plus a membership card), family invitation to the closing Awards Banquet, and a membership card for the youth chamber. A tour of government offices and
major corporations also is included in the curriculum to give participants a chance to see the city and learn about civic services and major employers. The awards ceremony and city tour are offered to all participants.
Follow Me Into Business® is a free community involvement and training program for young people that has trained more than 600 young people since it began in 2002. Those who wish to support the program with a tax-deductible donation can donate online via the chamber’s website or donate with a check or money order. Checks should be made payable to “JMCAACC” and mailed 351-C North Royal, Jackson, TN 38301.
The Jackson Madison County African American Chamber is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission included the growth and development of member businesses, youth entrepreneurial development and economic and community development. Membership is open to small businesses, corporations, churches and nonprofits as well as individual supporters. Moreover, youth participants can become members of the “junior” chamber which meets bimonthly throughout the year.
Membership applications and Follow Me registration packets are available online at jmcaacc.org. Moreover, JMCAACC can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
Duane Cherry, president of D&D Healthcare and administrator for Mission Convalescent Home, is the current president of JMCAACC. Florence Howard is executive director. The office is located at 351-C North Royal, Jackson, TN 38301 – 731-424-2030.
