Fort Davis Family CDC Gives Back

Throughout history, American high schools offered vocational training and job ready skills.  This pathway to success was glorified and looked upon as highly reputable career paths.  During the 1950’s a different philosophy emerged with the theory that students should take different educational paths according to their abilities. Some students would take traditional academic courses and would be college bound and others would take “shop”. Although it was said that students were assigned to tracks not by aptitude, but by socio-economic status and race, this shift in economic development awarded guys like me the opportunity to study, develop and ultimately become an electrical tradesman.

 

Just a few decades ago, our schools provided ample opportunities for young people to learn about careers in manufacturing and other vocational trades. Yet, today, high schoolers here in DC don’t even mention the many doors that the vocational education path can open.  As a result, many at risk teens are never introduced to the possibility

of success outside of attending college or living a fast life.

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The Fort Davis Family re-invests in the community by means of mentoring and empowering teens, young adults and veterans one job at a time.  With the creation of the “Jump Start” Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC Career Center we look to offer career path development and specialty training to highschoolers, adults and veterans. In addition to the Career Center, Jump Start Mobile will offer pop-up craftsman workshops at various churches, senior centers, veteran centers, elementary schools, and recreation centers. 

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All trade programs and instructors will culminate yearly in production of the Fort Davis Family Reunion (link below).  This event will offer an opportunity for each trade to put what they have learned to the test: Carpenter students will build, Plumber students will facilitate outdoor plumbing, electrician students will devise lighting plans and Sound Tech students will set-up and monitor audio.

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The vision of the organization is in the incubation stage.  With each day, our mentorships and training expertise continues to push forward the careers of many.  The desire to acquire a brick and mortar to enhance program offerings and expand our reach is the next step in our mission.