Career exploration opportunity for local teens

“We put a strong emphasis on lifelong learning and curiosity – don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Stephen Boyd, president and CEO of Boyd Technologies in Lee as he spoke to a room of 12 Monument Mountain High School students interested in pursuing a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The students visited Boyd in February to learn more about the company and potential career pathways in the sciences. Boyd, a graduate of Monument Mountain himself, answered questions from students and encouraged his staff to share how they came to work at Boyd Technologies.

Brianna Sporbert completed an internship at Boyd as a Pittsfield High School student; she is now the vice president of engineering overseeing commercialization of new products, material sourcing and product development platforms, and enacting the company’s strategic growth plan. In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring young women in STEM through Berkshire United Way’s community partner, Flying Cloud Institute. Lindsey Berkowitz, Young Women In Science Programs Director, helped recruit the young women who attended that day. Sean Flynn, Career and Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) and Internship Coordinator at Monument, recruited the other students for this career exploration opportunity.

Donned with hair nets (and beard nets for some), students enjoyed an informative tour of the facilities at Boyd Technologies. Development Engineer, Stephen Fitzgerald, advised the students, “School is important, and give it your all, but you’ll only learn about 10% in school of what we do in business. There’s going to be opportunities outside of school such as internships, projects, co-ops, research opportunities - and those kinds of experiences are hugely valuable. Make sure to jump at those opportunities. If you want to come to Boyd, I can’t recommend it enough!”

Berkshire United Way is committed to providing career exploration opportunities for young people here in the Berkshires. By partnering with local agencies such as Flying Cloud Institute, businesses, and community members, Berkshire United Way helps local youth develop a college or career plan that places them on the path to success.

To learn more about career readiness opportunities and initiatives, or if you’re a local business looking to host the next generation of employees for a similar field trip, please reach out to me at ktoomey@berkshireunitedway.org or 413-442-6948 x15.

I hope to hear from you!

Kat Toomey
Coordinator of Positive Youth Development
berkshireunitedway.org

Building a stronger community together

The holiday season is a time for giving and appreciating what you have in your life, and as I wrap up my first workplace campaign season as Development Manager for Berkshire United Way, I can’t remember a time in my life when I’ve ever been more thankful.  To have the opportunity to visit so many different businesses, and witness first-hand the incredible support Berkshire United Way receives from thousands of Berkshire County residents who are building a stronger community by making a pledge through their campaign, is truly one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.

Amy Chin and Duffy Judge of Berkshire United Way pose with representatives of Flying Cloud Institute, Railroad Street Youth Project and Boyd Technologies for their campaign kickoff.

Berkshire United Way’s mission of igniting the collective power of individuals and organizations to build a stronger community together cannot be accomplished without the support of the people who live here. 

Your gift provides people with the tools and resources they need, so their children enter school ready to learn; our teens graduate high school and begin college or their career; and working families get help finding and keeping jobs that pay a livable wage.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each person who has supported our campaign—either through their workplace or by making a direct gift to Berkshire United Way. You truly are the core of our organization.  Your generous support enables us to invest more than $2 million dollars in our community, impacting more than 16,000 lives in 32 local communities, as we work towards making Berkshire County a dynamic, engaged community with opportunities for all.

If you would like to be part of building a stronger community here in the Berkshires, I invite you to consider making a year-end gift to Berkshire United Way.  Your opportunity to do so is just a click away.

Happy New Year –

Duffy

Development Manager