Turning High School Students Into Productive Employees

Building a strong Employability Portfolio for our local student community and workforce

NFIEC in Buffalo, New York, gives High School students the opportunity to learn workplace skills and how to showcase those skills. With the help of our business partners, NFIEC and the West Seneca Schools teamed up over 21 years ago to create a portfolio and computer-based portal called CCP. It is offered in school districts throughout Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Orleans, and Chautauqua counties. Visit BEEP at https://beep.wnyric.org

How CCP Works

When students participate in CCP, they learn to possess and showcase skills that employers want. Students complete a digital portfolio through the BEEP portal website which provides employers and directors of admissions with an all-encompassing overview of a student's abilities. Local business people have stood behind this initiative by completing a review of student's portfolios and signing off on them as "students who are employable." After the review process, NFIEC presents the students with Certificates of Employability.

CCP features the following:

• In-Depth exploration of careers and a vareity of student work to include: resume, cover letters, job applications, and letters of reference
• Reports on competencies reached in New York State Learning and Common Core Standards as well as CDOS
• Career Development and occupational standards that align with the Secretary's Commission On Achievement Necessary Skills (SCANS)
• Levels attained include areas of academics, attendance, SAT & ACT, citizenship, and work ethics and community service
• Writing samples, artwork, awards received, athletic participation, clubs, volunteerism, work-based learning and other extracurricular activities in various collections of work

Certificate of Employability

This certificate provides prospective employers with job-ready candidates by certifying the student applicant is knowledgeable and competent in certain well-defined skill sets. With the Certificate of Employability in hand, employers can be assured the candidate is qualified to be successful in the business environment in areas such as:

• Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Research and Information Management
• Independent Learning & Time Management
• Leadership Skills
• Computer & Technology Literacy

2021-2022 CCP Scholarship Ceremony

The 21st annual NFIEC CCP Scholarship ceremony was cancelled this year. Typically, over twenty students from 14 high schools in Western New York earn scholarships for their participation in the annual portfolio and interview competition. Students will still be honored with scholarship money and certificates in their home district. The ceremony will return in 2023!!!

Commitment to Education Awards Forum 2022

NFIEC's 2022 Commitment to Education Awards Forum is being held a different way! Nominees are being honored with award letters in the mail and/or surprise visits. When rescheduled, the dinner will have a theme on quality and long lasting partners. A group of local businesses and organizations will be recognized with an award highlighting their high-quality collaborations with NFIEC members. The forum enables members and partners the opportunity to dialogue and share successful collaborative efforts with teachers, school counselors, students and the education partner. For more information on the forum or to nominate a partner if you are a member, please contact the office at 716-249-6991 or email Executive Director, Kelly Oldenburg koldenburg@gmail.com

Synergy Fitness accepting their award! Congratulations!

Save the date!!

Our fall forum returns November 2, 2022 at The Columns Banquets in Elma.

This year's topic is "Reconnecting Education to WNY Industry: The Future of Community College"

Mark your calendar for a 7:30 am start and stay tuned for more details!