The Provident Bank Foundation said it awarded a $50,000 signature grant to Cedar Crest College in Allentown to support the launch of its Student Employment Center’s “Preparing for that First Job” program.
The program will help 100 students during the fall to learn basic workplace skills.
The center is designed to place college students in on-campus employment that aligns with their academic and career goals.
“It was a very strong application,” said Jane Kurek, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation. “We’ve seen this type of program work at other colleges. They are placing college students with on-campus employment. This grant application spoke clearly to what we were looking for.”
The foundation would like to help students succeed in their career path and get them to graduate and find a job, she said.
“We support all the communities The Provident Bank serves,” Kurek said.
“These funds will assist students in securing on-campus employment in positions that will align with their career goals and expand their knowledge of what employers will be looking for after graduation,” said Mary Alice Ozechoski, vice president of student affairs & traditional enrollment at Cedar Crest College. “Seminars will be offered to students on a variety of professional topics such as email etiquette, workplace collaboration, working on a team, effective communication and cultural competency. We believe this, along with a strong academic experience, will give our students a competitive advantage in whatever career they choose. Our students will be learning in the classroom and while they work on campus. This is how we are preparing the next generation of women leaders.”
