Workforce Development Coordinator
Organization:
Carlos Rosario International Career Center VISTA Name:
Elizabeth Chesler
Program Start:
9/2004
Program End:
9/2005
Project Description:
Our VISTA volunteer, Elizabeth Chesler, has undertaken the role of Workforce Development Coordinator. In that capacity Elizabeth has been invaluable in identifying resources, providing planning and coordination for IT related projects, and helping with capacity building by researching and applying for grants and in-kind assistance. One of the main and most important projects Elizabeth is working on is a Microsoft data management project for which she is serving as an in-house and affiliate liaison and testing a prototype. Another project in which Ms. Chesler has become indispensable is the school bookstore, which under her leadership recently had its grand opening. The bookstore, which sells textbooks, dictionaries, and other study related products as well as school support items such as t-shirts and hats, is a much-needed resource which also generates unrestricted income. This project is helping to support the Workforce Development programs, including the IT programs.
Project Outcome:
Elizabeth’s contribution to the Carlos Rosario School in coordinating the Microsoft data software is a prime example of a VISTA volunteer getting things done in the community. The software will make a great impact on the efficiency of the school and will help it to better serve thousands of students. The finished product will also be utilized by countless organizations which serve communities all over the United States.
Another example is opening the student bookstore. In her role managing the bookstore, Elizabeth interacts daily with many of the hundreds of students who attend the school. She has been the driving force behind a resource which allows students to quickly and easily access supplies essential to their learning. Prior to the opening of the in-house bookstore, students were only able to purchase textbooks during limited on-site visits from the supplier, or had to make a special trip to an off-site store. Many students have limited transportation options, and the availability of on-site resources makes a huge impact in the school community. The bookstore, which held its grand opening last week, has already generated approximately $1500 in net proceeds for the school.