Streamwood H.S. students invited to Accenture workshop

Submitted by District U-46

Streamwood High School students in a college prep program gained real-world experience thanks to a unique partnership with the Chicago office of a global corporation.

Streamwood High School students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, known as AVID, prepare for success in college and careers through a myriad courses and experiences, including field trips. Twice a year, Accenture, a leading global professional services company providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations, invites the Streamwood High School AVID students to the company's downtown Chicago office for a daylong workshop. Streamwood High School students visited Accenture on Thursday, March 17, They will also visit again on April 7.

The program is aligned with Accenture's global corporate citizenship initiative, Skills to Succeed, which equips people with the skills that open doors to employment and economic opportunity.

"This partnership allows for students to hone career skills and learn from professionals up front and center in a corporate workplace setting," said Dr. Terri Lozier, assistant superintendent of Secondary Schools, Instruction and Equity. "Students leave these workshops inspired and more knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed in college and careers."

The AVID program accepts 25 juniors per trip. The workshop covers topics such as time management, networking and elevator speeches, a 30-second overview summarizing an individual's knowledge and accomplishments. Students will also participate in a panel discussion and be given a chance to ask professionals career questions. Two students will serve as job candidates for mock interviews that the group will observe and discuss.

"This experience is invaluable for our students," said Patricia Maynard, AVID teacher and coordinator at Streamwood High School.

School District U-46, the second-largest school district in the state, currently offers AVID elective courses from seventh to 12th grade at all U-46 middle and high schools. These comprehensive high-quality learning experiences provide students with challenges and opportunities to apply learning to their lives and uphold the District's values, purpose and vision.