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Strong Foundations | Summer 2015 Newsletter



A message from Randall Redding

We all understand the importance of preparing for the future. This edition of Strong Foundations focuses on opportunities to support and equip our young people in discovering their talents, aptitudes and interests. This is a vitally important process they must navigate in order to make informed choices for their education and, ultimately, their careers.

Bremen City Schools recently implemented YouScience, the first online program that allows students to combine their aptitudes, interests and career opportunities to confidently set a direction for education and career success. The last thing our students need is another test. However, when a student described it as a “fun game about themselves,” I found that refreshing and very exciting.

At the conclusion of the “game,” the YouScience Profile provides the student a wide variety of career options available in today’s world that they may not even known exists. The hope is that our young people will scientifically discover what makes them “tick,” and then allow them to select an education and career path that will be both satisfying and rewarding.

The State of Georgia recently launched a pilot program to provide 10,000 students from across the state access to the YouScience Profile. I’ve always said, when we help our young people, we’ve done a good day’s work. RKR is very focused on future workforce development and grateful to have the opportunity to support this exciting program.

We hope you’re having a wonderful summer and we want to thank you for your continued friendship and support.

Respectfully,


Randall K. Redding, President & CEO

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Bremen City Schools Pilots Innovative Workforce Development Tool

Bremen City Schools (BCS) participated in a pilot of the YouScience student profile prior to the end of the school year. The YouScience profile, given to the entire Junior class at BCS, allows the student to discover the intersection of their aptitudes, interests and career opportunities to confidently set a direction for education and career success.

RKR was proud to sponsor the initiative and make this valuable resource available free of charge to the schools.

“Our goal is to encourage dialogue between counselors, students and their parents to more effectively set a career direction and education path,” said David Hicks, Superintendent of Bremen City Schools. “We believe R. K. Redding Construction’s generous donation will make a significant impact on these students’ lives. With post-secondary costs continuing to rise, the results of the YouScience assessments will save time and money for the students by helping them avoid college and career misfires.”

The school system kicked off the YouScience initiative with professional development for all teachers, then implemented the program with the students. During the upcoming fall semester, these students will use the information to meet with their college and career advisor to develop an education plan that ensures their best path to a successful career.

“I want the students in this community to reveal their paths to success earlier in their lives,” said Randall Redding, CEO of RKR. “I believe it’s vitally important that we groom the workforce of tomorrow, so I’m thrilled at the positive initial feedback received from students and administrators at Bremen City Schools.”

To learn more about YouScience, please visit www.YouScience.com.

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Project Spotlight: CTAE Outreach

RKR has a rich history of giving back to the communities in which it serves. Something that the company is passionate about is workforce development for high school students.

RKR donates surplus construction materials to Career, Technical and Agricultural Educational (CTAE) classes, so that students can create projects without enduring the cost of materials. This is also an opportunity for students to discover an appreciation and interest in jobs related to the construction field.

The company has also initiated a mentorship program that engages students, where they interact with RKR employees, have the ability to ask questions and seek guidance, as well as learn about internships. The students are also invited to visit RKR jobsites to learn up close what a career in construction might entail.

Through Career, Technical and Agricultural, and Education (CTAE) classes, the RKR program already exists in Haralson, Polk, Paulding and counties. We are excited about getting the next generation interested in discovering a future in construction.




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