Work First Blog
In March, the fellows were able to experience Washington D.C. behind the scenes. They had the opportunity to have one on one conversations with some D.C.’s notorious think tanks. This included resident fellow, Matt Weidinger from American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and senior fellow, Elaine C. Kamarck Brooking Institution. An intriguing discussion was held regarding welfare reform and how different perspectives and historical events had impacted their work in politics.
Last month, the 2017-2018 Fellowship class finally had the opportunity to present their findings from the research projects they conducted throughout this past year at the 2018 Work First Fellowship Symposium. Each Fellow had the opportunity to focus on a topic that both aligns with their interests and investigates how to empower low-income individuals in the 21st century workforce.
Rachel Gordon and Ivana Osmanovic are both finishing up their Fellowship years at the America Works Brooklyn site, located in Downtown Brooklyn. The two major career service programs that the Brooklyn site operates are CareerAdvance and YouthPathways, bringing approximately 150 clients through their doors daily.
Last month, the 2017-2018 Work First Foundation Fellowship class had the opportunity to travel to the nation’s capital for a weekend of professional development and sightseeing activities. This was a weekend greatly anticipated by all, as it was the first time since the fellowship year began in July that Fellows from each of the offices, spread nationwide, were able to reunite in one place.
