Alma Cruz first heard about C2C when a teacher encouraged her to apply for the school break externship program. This program connects youth with short work experiences during their winter and spring breaks in preparation for summer internships. Externship applicants attended a training day where they prepared elevator pitches, built résumés and practiced interview skills. Afterwards, local employers selected 50 participants to hire out of more than 100 applicants.

Initially, Alma told us she did not think she would be selected for a work experience — she was more interested in the training opportunities than anything else. “I actually didn’t even know what an elevator pitch was when I signed up,” said Alma. “I was interested in improving my skills so I could apply to other jobs in the future.”

Just a few short weeks later, Alma received an email from C2C — she was one of the 50 participants chosen for the program! Alma learned she had been assigned to the  for winter break, and to the for spring break.

Alma prepared outreach presentations for the Housing Commission and made phone calls to community members for San Diego Futures Foundation. During both experiences, she developed her capacity for communication and teamwork — two of the employers tell us are key to workplace success.

After her externship experiences, Alma continued using her C2C account to apply for summer work opportunities. She attended the program’s kickoff hiring event and met representatives from . The representatives told C2C they were impressed with Alma’s poise and her commitment to excellence, so much so, they hired her on the spot as a Pool and Beach Attendant. Alma then shared the lessons she learned from C2C with her brother, who now also works for Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

“I’m able to be a responsible young adult, paying my own phone and car bills, and buying groceries for home,” says Alma. “I’m able to take my family out to eat. I want to thank CONNECT2Careers so much for giving me these opportunities to expand and grow!”

Alma is loving her summer working at a job that lets her enjoy San Diego’s unbeatable weather, while earning money and learning valuable work skills. She recently graduated from high school and is looking forward to entering college and eventually going to medical school to become a pediatrician. She’s excited to see how the essential skills she built with C2C and the three jobs she landed before graduation will help her along that journey.

Alma is not the only young person with an experience like this. There are over 2,000 young people just like her seeking employment through C2C. Employers interested in hiring can fill out to get involved. Young adults seeking work experience can register here.