A Sincere Thank You to Emily Hernandez: Our Amazing Volunteer at Project Music
Photo Credit: Project Music
At Project Music, we had the privilege of working with Emily Hernandez, a remarkable young woman who joined us through the Stamford Senior Internship Program, part of our partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program. Emily, a student at Westhill High School, has shown a keen interest in music business, and her dedication and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on our team and the children we serve.
We are very grateful for Emily's contributions. She brought positive energy and a willingness to learn. Her support in various tasks and her enthusiasm for interacting with both staff and participants demonstrated her commitment to making a difference.
Emily shared her thoughts on her experience with us:
"Working with Project Music was amazing and I would do it over again if I could. The staff were incredibly nice and were willing to answer any questions I had regarding music in general or helping me with tasks I had. I made so many connections with many wonderful people here and I would very much recommend working here with them! I also got to know most of the kids and how they felt so positively impacted by this organization and eager to play with their fellow peers. Seeing the joy Project Music gave these kids made me proud to be affiliated with this organization that had such a positive impact in many diverse people and communities.”
We are delighted to have had Emily as part of our team, even if just for a short while. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and are confident she will continue to inspire and impact those around her.
Thank you, Emily, for your dedication and passion. You will always be a cherished member of the Project Music family.
Project Music’s Partnership with MYEP
Project Music is proud of our ongoing partnership with this needed initiative to develop young leaders through real-world experience. This initiative aligns well with our workforce development program called Learn & Earn. As part of the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, we have welcomed high school senior volunteers for the past 3 academic years.
About the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program
The program allows students to explore an area of interest outside the constructs of their formal educational program. By helping to foster independence and decision-making skills, the program will provide students an opportunity to make a smoother transition from high school to college, the work place, or military service. The students can explore a career interest or service opportunity in a field prior to beginning formal training in college or other post-secondary schooling.
The importance of work and job readiness programs stems from the high barriers to success faced by the youth in Stamford, where 51% of children are eligible for free or reduced lunch and 13% of 16-24 year olds are unemployed. A key finding from the National Longitudinal Surveys reveals that high school students who worked part-time during their senior year earned 20% more annually 6 to 9 years after graduation compared to those who didn't work.
