Guardian Life Gives $7,500 to Berkshire Compact
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America's Berkshire Regional Office has awarded $7,500 for the expansion of the Berkshire Compact for Education's Career Fair for eighth-graders.
The funding will allow the Career Fair, which originally began as a North County event, to offer an additional program in Pittsfield. At the fair, students learn about different types of jobs and careers to help them make informed decisions about course selection in high school, as they begin to think about higher education.
"We are grateful to Guardian Life for this generous grant, which will expand the Compact's work to educate the Berkshire's middle school students about the many career options available to them, and to inspire them to attend college," said MCLA Executive Vice President Denise Richardello.
"As a major employer in the region, Guardian is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our associates and their families, our local suppliers and everyone who calls the Berkshires home," said Gordon Dinsmore, Guardian's senior vice president of Individual Disability Income. "We feel the Compact's program provides a work force development component that will ensure a stronger future for the region."
In addition to learning from speakers about the importance of education, exploring interests and developing career aspirations, students attend two workshops of their choice, which are designed to motivate and challenge them. The workshops are presented by college faculty members and local professionals who are passionate about teaching students about their line of work.
Workshops include those in advanced, high-tech manufacturing, architecture, the arts, auto and electrical careers, banking and finance, culinary arts, dentistry, education, engineering, environmental careers, fire and police, forensic science, government and law, health care, information technology, journalism, psychology and sociology, television and social marketing, and sports (athletic training and coaching). For more information, go to www.mcla.edu.
