United Way Volunteer Inspires Waukegan Students

Karen Jones-Abbott retiree, long-time supporter of United Way, and Women United member-recently visited Robert Abbott Middle School to share her wisdom and passions with the students.

Karen taught the students to walk into a room, shine a smile and introduce themselves with confidence. She shared her success story, which all started with the love of problem solving. She encouraged the students to try something new and take risks to discover their own interests and passions.

Karen is part of a series of speakers focused on helping students Stay in School and realize the direct connection between academics and future success.

Interested in being a Career Speaker too? Click here to learn more.

View photos from this event by clicking below.

United Way – One of the World’s Most Innovative Companies

United Way was named #5 on Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019, in the nonprofit category! The list honors those businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world.

We’re very proud of this honor and grateful for our donors, volunteers, advocates and partners who helped us get to this point!

Waukegan 8th Grade Students Explore College of Lake County Opportunities

United Way understands how critical it is to expose middle school students to career and college possibilities as they prepare for high school. Through a partnership with College of Lake County (CLC), TRiO/Educational Talent Search and Robert Abbott Middle School (RAMS), students learned about TRiO summer opportunities and support programs for a positive transition from middle school to high school.

The students attended a Career Degrees and Certificates Fair. CLC faculty members and Tech Campus students created hands-on and interactive stations where the RAMS students could learn more about careers such as Fire Science and Technology, Nursing and Emergency Medical Technology, Mechatronics, Laser Photonics and Engineering, Hospitality and Culinary Management, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, General EMPS Information, Legal Studies, Health and Wellness, and Digital Media Design. The 8th graders and their teachers were amazed with the variety of opportunities available at CLC.

RAMS students also had the wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with CLC students from various student clubs. Members of Sister 2 Sister, Men of Vision, Exito Program, Student Government/Phi Theta Kappa, and the EXPLORE program encouraged the 8th graders to create college experiences that are well rounded and meaningful. The students also learned about what Dual Credit is and how it will benefit them in high school as well as in college. The trip allowed the 8th graders to get a glimpse of what college feels like both academically and socially.

Click below to view photos from the event.

STEM for Girls in Lake County

United Way strives to help youth navigate their career path towards graduation. One avenue to accomplish this goal is to provide opportunities for young girls to be exposed to STEM related fields. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Studies show that girls lose interest in math and science during middle school, and STEM interest for girls is low, compared to boys.

So on February 23, over 240 girls from 7th through 12th grades and their parents attended College of Lake County’s STEM for Girls event. The girls participated in fun, hands-on sessions focused on science, technology, engineering and math.

UWLC helped coordinate this event by providing volunteers with careers in the STEM field. During lunch, Karen Jones from Chocolate Chips Association and a group from Astellas, represented by Keya Pitts, Dominique Talbert, Debra Sutkowski and Angela James, were on hand to talk with the girls about STEM related career prospects. These volunteers demonstrated what STEM careers look like in the real world, discussed with the students and parents how they can also thrive in STEM related fields, and encouraged the girls to pursue their career goals.

View our Facebook post for more photos by clicking below.

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Success By 6 Summer Internship Opportunity

Know a college student looking for a summer internship?

This position will support the efforts of United Way of Lake County by assisting in the implementation of the Success By 6 Program and its initiatives as well as assisting with other Community Impact initiatives. The ability to speak English and Spanish is strongly preferred. View the position description here.

Want to apply? Send your cover letter and resume to Rita at Rita.Zaluzec@uwlakeco.org.
Click the button below to learn more about all internship opportunities.

United Way of Lake County is Hiring

Want to join our team? Apply today!

• Community Investment Coordinator
• Senior Relationship Manager
• Success By 6 Early Learning Professional

Click below to find job descriptions and learn more.

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