FIRST WORKINGS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO LONDON
Programming provides mentorships for under resourced high school students
NEW YORK – 8 September, 2021 – New York City nonprofit First Workings announced its first expansion— to London. Like its US-based counterpart, the new program matches high school students with mentors in the finance industry.
Led by Yasmin Sanders-Fahi, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Communications for the US office, and Richard Matthews, Consultant to GC Partners, First Workings London connected five students from the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham to mentors at finance companies Speakerbus and BGC Partners this summer.
The London partnership is modeled after the US program that brings mentorships, career workshops and — prior to the pandemic — paid internships to high school students from underserved communities. Both programs aim to diversify talent pipelines at major companies.
“As a London native, I am thrilled to bring First Workings to my home city. Many of the issues we strive to address in the US — lack of diversity in corporations, insufficient support for young employees from underrepresented backgrounds and a lack of social capital — exist in the UK as well,” said Kevin Davis, founder and executive director of First Workings.
First Workings aims to prepare rising high school seniors to enter professional work environments. Its comprehensive Workplace Readiness Curriculum includes lessons around communication, business etiquette, networking and diversity in the workplace.
“An entry-level job in finance can change the course of a young person’s life, but these opportunities tend to go to those who already have a foot in the door because of social connections. Through mentorships with top-tier corporations, we will help young people acquire the experience and connections needed to launch successful careers,” said Matthews.
First Workings aims to expand programming by growing school partnerships and developing alumni services that include both post secondary and career support.
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