In mid-February, seventeen representatives from the McDonald’s Corporation’s Archways program went back to school at Weequahic High School in Newark, NJ to work with more than 50 Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates students. They presented information regarding employment opportunities, career pathways, scholarships, tuition assistance and advising services for young adults working for McDonald’s. Regional HR Manager, Jeff Cumberbatch, facilitated the presentations and discussions among regional representatives from development, operations, marketing, finance and owner operators.
This is the second consecutive year that McDonald’s has partnered with the Weequahic High School Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates (JNJG) program, a state-based national initiative that is dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. Through JNJG students develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills in addition to tenacity and respect—all attributes that employers seek.
Because not all young adults take the same career path, the partnership with McDonald’s helps students to understand the value of part-time and entry-level positions and how they can lead to long-term employment and career advancement.
Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker of the 28th district was also on-hand to provide some sage advice to students about their futures.