Here is a press release from Inspiration in Action 2010 Inspiration_2010.pdf

Illustrating the power of connecting students with professionals

Cambridge, Mass., January 14th, 2010 — STEP, in partnership with the British School of Boston hosted the first annual INSPIRATION IN ACTION 2010 conference at the new location of the British Consulate General in the heart of Kendall Square.

The mission for the INSPIRATION IN ACTION 2010 conference was to provide a platform to experience the power of connection between students who are presently formulating their goals and aspirations with professionals who have experience and knowledge to share. The room was filled with a cross-section of Boston’s industry leaders and International leaders alike alongside a cross-section of students who represent our next generation of leaders, locally and abroad.

Approximately 100 individuals participated in the conference.

Participating Schools
Boston Latin
British School of Boston
Epiphany
John D. O’Bryant
MATCH
Roxbury Prep Charter School

Participating Panelists
HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO
Philip DesAutels, Dir. of Academic Evangelism , Microsoft
Steve Cremer, Senior Mentor, US FIRST
Fiona Murray, Associate Professor , MIT Sloan School
Freda King, VP Talent & Culture, Continuum
Peter Tedeschi, President, Tedeschi Food Shops
Tessa Dahl, Author/Actress
Jordan Rich, WBZ Radio, Moderator

Click here to view photos of the event…

Helping students grasp the concept of an international organization

Students were exposed first-hand to how their skills or interests could equate to careers in the variety of departments Canaccord Adams operates. The students learned how a career path may cross a variety of departments, not to mention a range of locations locally and abroad.

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Students were able to see the behind the scenes research, design and engineering that is involved when creating breakthrough products and services for clients. The Essential tour illustrated to students the variety of work environments that are available and the range of expertise required to produce a product or service.

“One of the STEP students attending the tour mentioned that she was an artist and loved to draw but that would never pay the bills. On the elevator ride down after the tour through Essential, she shared with me that she had been so inspired by all the pictures on Essential’s “inspirations board” – she now realized that there are many career opportunities in which she can use her creative gifts”

- Kathy Tedeschi, STEP director

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The Tedeschi Food Shops tour provided the students the opportunity to appreciate the work and rewards involved in being a franchisee. This tour truly opened the students’ eyes to a side of retail that none of the students had previously explored.

“The best part of my company tour was the man who gave me the tour itself…I had the ability to connect with him on a personal level and have an incredible and insigtful conversation. He helped me realize that is doesn’t matter what you do for a profession or where you do it, as long as you do it with pride and dedication you will do well and be happy. It was very interesting learning about his jouney from his homeland of Jordan and how he has found prosperity here in the US and has done it humbly through his business with Tedeschi.”

- STEP student comment post-tour

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Students were taken on a comprehensive tour of the North Point development. They left the tour with the appreciation of how many different talents, skills and careers are required when developing and managing as property such as Archstone North Point.

“Paul was great, he told us to stay in school and go to college and now I know why, you need a degree to figure out how to operate and repair all that equipment”.

- STEP student comment post-tour

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John D. O’Bryant students received the opportunity to learn about the Office of Government and Community Affairs within Boston College. The students learned of the wide range of activities and programs that benefit the communities of Boston and Newton that is coordinated through the Office. The students were also briefed on the variety of career paths and scholarship opportunities available at Boston College.

“It was so helpful to see how you can work and earn your degree at the same time. Boston College offers an amazing amount of resources and support to it’s students and employees.”

- STEP student comment post-tour

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20 students attended a tour that was action packed – the students learned about the company history, motors, engines, design – the importance of all the skills required to make a Ferrari organization run.

“The highlight was when Mark fired up one of these supercars in the showroom – the roar and the look on the students faces was just magic!”

- Lucinda Baxter, STEP Founder

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Johnny shares with his fans his involvement with STEP and the impact the program is making.

Click here to view Johnny Cupcake’s blog…

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At a glance:

- 15 corporate partners participating in the pilot program
- STEP has facilitated 266 opportunities for Corporate Partners to engage with students

Click here to view the press release…