We hope your summer was as fulfilling as ours at the Elmezzi Foundation! We’re excited to share some fantastic updates on our workforce development initiatives. This summer, among other initiatives we are proud to continue our support for LaGuardia Community College’s Elmezzi Career Fellows Program. Thanks to the program’s outstanding results and the positive impact it has had on students, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve committed to funding it for another two years. In the following article, you’ll find insights into the program and its significant impact on the student community.
Elmezzi Career Fellows Program: Empowering Future Leaders
The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation (the Elmezzi Foundation) is deeply committed to empowering individuals and uplifting communities through targeted initiatives that foster meaningful, lasting change. Our partnership with LaGuardia Community College exemplifies this commitment, particularly through our ongoing support of the Elmezzi Career Fellows Program.
As highlighted in a recent LaGuardia Community College announcement, the Elmezzi Foundation has extended its support with a two-year grant for the Elmezzi Career Fellows Program. This grant underscores our continued dedication to nurturing the career growth of students at LaGuardia Community College, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.
The Elmezzi Career Fellows Program has been pivotal in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical experience. Inspired by the CUNY Service Corps model, this program addresses the critical need for paid internships among community college students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds and those facing financial challenges. By offering these essential opportunities, the program ensures that students gain valuable work experience, build professional networks, and clarify their career paths.
Since its inception, the Elmezzi Career Fellows Program has partnered with over 80 organizations across diverse industries, including STEM, healthcare, social services, education, marketing, and the arts. These partnerships provide students with a wide range of internship opportunities, allowing them to explore their interests and develop relevant skills.
The program’s impact is evident in the success of its participants. To date, 80 unique students have benefited from this initiative, with nearly half being first-generation college students. The program has significantly improved job placement rates and college transfer rates among its participants. Within six months of graduation, 46.3% of students secured employment in their fields of study, while 40% successfully transferred to four-year institutions. These outcomes highlight the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for both immediate employment and further education.
The increasing number of applicants each year underscores the ongoing need for such initiatives, and our continued support through this two-year grant ensures that we can further enhance students’ professional and personal growth. As the Elmezzi Career Fellows Program continues to grow, the Elmezzi Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of leaders. Through sustained support and meaningful partnerships, we are helping students at LaGuardia Community College reach their full potential and build brighter futures.