Summer of Learning

During summertime at the Children’s Attention Home, youth have opportunities for enriching learning experiences. This summer, residents participated in multiple "Lunch and Learn" sessions hosted by International Paper, SteelFab, Comporium, and Duke Energy. These informal and educational meetings, usually held during lunchtime, allowed youth to engage in fun learning experiences.

The first session was a tour of International Paper. Hosts guided youth through the vast plant, showcasing the product design process using computers and drawings. The residents recognized everyday products and even got hands-on experience building their boxes. Walking through the assembly line, they learned about the various career opportunities available at the global company. The visit concluded with a Q&A session with company executives. After the experience, a resident shared, "I had an amazing time at the lunch and learn. It was a very fun and unique experience to see what all goes onto and what makes International Paper a functional company!”

Next up was SteelFab, where hosts provided a tour of the large plant. SteelFab team showed how steel pieces of various sizes are created. The session included a company overview and an engaging Q&A. The youth also had the chance to discuss their future goals while enjoying a taco bar.

At the third Lunch and Learn session of the season, the youth had a unique outdoor learning experience with Comporium. This special retreat involved fishing and exploring nature, along with learning about the numerous career opportunities at Comporium. The day was both relaxing and educational, topped off with a fantastic lunch enjoyed amidst beautiful scenery. The residents returned with a greater appreciation for nature and a wealth of knowledge about potential career paths.

The final session was at Duke Energy's Innovation Center. The tour started with an overview of the center, followed by snacks and a coffee bar. The highlight of the day was a session on artificial intelligence (AI), where each resident worked on a computer to create code using AI. This hands-on activity allowed teens to practice their tech skills and attention to detail. The workshop leaders talked about the benefits of AI and explored career opportunities in the field. The visit ended with a fun discussion with group leaders during a pizza lunch.

Through these "Lunch and Learn" sessions, our teens gained valuable insights into different industries and career paths. These experiences broadened their horizons and provided a fun and engaging way to learn. Cathy Bolduc, Social Worker at the Children’s Attention Home, accompanied the youth during those experiences and shared, “The lunch and learn opportunities not only highlight companies in our community but also give our residents new ideas for the future and career possibilities.”

Thank you to International Paper, SteelFab, Comporium, and Duke Energy for your hospitality and support!