The great partnerships launched by the Benton Harbor Bridge Academy and the Heartland Alliance powered by Kinexus continue to enrich the business community in Michigan's Great Southwest, and last night's graduation ceremonies add 48 more names to the list of potential employees ready for the next step in their lives.
It was a night of celebration for the 48 new graduates from the Bridge Academy and Adult Education/Heartland Alliance, powered by Kinexus. More than 200 family members, friends, Kinexus board members and community partners joined in the celebration at the Harbor Shores Golf Club last evening. Graduates completed a variety of programs including both academic and vocational certificates to help them get prepared for the next steps of their lives.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad, the guest speaker at the event, reminded graduates that their cap was a symbol of their foundation of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, which are three things that are needed to be successful in life. In his closing remarks, Muhammad noted, “You are the over comers because you were born to achieve. Remember that whatever you believe, you can achieve.”
In addition to the graduates, the Bridge Academy also honored their Employer Champions who consist of local businesses that partner to give job experience, shadowing and placement to youth who are enrolled within the Bridge Academy.
The Employer Champions celebrated last night included B & Z Construction, Sweet Dreams Candy Shop, Orchard Grove Extended Care, Dialo’s Café & Catering, and Regal Finishing. Jim Kodis, owner of Regal Finishing, was awarded the first ever Employer Champion of the Year Award in appreciation of his exceptional commitment to giving youth career coaching and job opportunities at Regal Finishing outside of Coloma.
Other special recognition at the event included:
- Alumni Award: Corey Houston
- Karrington Penny Memorial Academic Achievement Award: Ann Aaron
The Bridge Academy’s high quality training and connectivity to both an education and employment has resulted in tremendous growth, as reflected by this year’s graduating class.
The Bridge Academy, powered by Kinexus, offers academic programs including GED, Career Online High School and Stepping Stones Diploma. In addition, the Bridge Academy offers vocational training programs in high demand industries such as National Retail Federation, Pre-Apprentice Construction Training Certificate, and Certified Nurse Assistant training.
The Bridge Academy serves youth ages 16-19 who are committed to achieving academic and vocational goals. Enrollment for fall begins on July 5, 2016. Those with questions can contact Allie Knapp, Continuing Education and Career Services Manager, at 269.927.1064, x1412, or knappa@kinexus.org
Kinexus is a nonprofit organization that invests millions in funding each year in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through integrated business, workforce, and community development. For more information, click this link: www.Kinexus.org or follow along on Twitter @KinexusGroup and Facebook at facebook.com/KinexusGroup and facebook.com/KinexusBridgeAcademy.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad delivers the graduation address to the Bridge Academy…
