NaviGo Prep, a division of Children, Inc., recently held its annual NaviGo Scholars Kickoff at Thomas More College where newly selected NaviGo Scholars met their NaviGo coaches and business sponsors for the first time.
The business sponsors include Children, Inc., St. Elizabeth Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Physicians, Duke Energy, L’Oréal, Milacron, Northern Kentucky Attorneys, Pomeroy, Toyota, and U.S. Bank.
“I am very excited to learn more about a career that I am interested in pursuing, as well as making friendships and connections that could benefit me for years to come,” said Caleb He, a Randall K. Cooper High School senior who is a first-year NaviGo Scholar in the NKY Attorneys group.
“I love being in an environment where everybody is as passionate as I am.”
Cooper classmate Robert Moody is a second-year NaviGo Scholar.
“The NaviGo Scholars program has connected me with mentors who are instrumental in guiding me toward my goal of being a physical therapist,” said Moody. “The program has truly enabled me to identify, much earlier than my peers, the exact career path I am truly passionate about and want to strive toward as my occupation.”
Cooper’s students represent about 35 of more than 200 NaviGo Scholars this year. The students will receive hands-on learning with direct exposure to the industries and networking opportunities. They will learn the skills and responsibilities of different specialties while working with their NaviGo coach to help guide them in the process of college and career selection and prep.
The kick-off event was sponsored by Milacron and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
It was a successful day for all involved, especially the students.
“The NaviGo Scholars Kickoff was another reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to meet with adults who are passionate about their work,” said Tim Hanner, founder and senior director of NaviGo, now a part of Children, Inc.
“We had many students begin the day nervous or apprehensive because this was a new and different experience – and they left feeling excited and confident.”
NaviGo Scholars program will run from October through April.
For more information on NaviGo Scholars, please visit navigoprep.org.
Children, Inc., a United Way Agency Partner, is a highly rated nonprofit provider in child care, family support, and school-age services in Greater Cincinnati. Children, Inc. services span prenatally through college and career. Its multi-generational approach to fighting poverty in our community as well as our work in advocacy, training, and research builds a strong foundation for success for over 3,000 children and families in our region every year.
