Non-profit Equips College Students with Tools For Job Seeking Savvy

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Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas presents IEF Scholar Timothy Bradford with a tie signed by Governor Pat Quinn. (Photo Credit: IEF)
Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas presents IEF Scholar Timothy Bradford with a tie signed by Governor Pat Quinn. (Photo Credit: IEF)

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Prairie State College student Nadia Crawley (right) and Truman College student Luz Cardoso (left) receive apparel at Suited for Success event. (Photo Credit: IEF)

Individuals searching for employment in todays tough economic climate must have job seeking savoir-faire.

During a mini-training session on Jan. 21, fifty fortunate college students were counseled about the professional skills they now need to land a job and also received brand new professional business attire during the Illinois Education Foundations (IEF) second annual Suited for Success event.

Suited for Success, which was held at The Standard Club this year, is a ground-breaking event designed to provide high-quality, interview-worthy clothes and footwear to low-income, highly motivated community college students who will soon be entering the business world.

Brooks Brothers, The Standard Club, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Allen Edmonds, Lori's Shoes, LODIS, and juliewatsonstyle donated tens of thousands of dollars in clothing and services to 50 IEF Scholars, ages 18-58.

IEF is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 that empowers extremely driven community college students to thrive in school, work and life. IEF also partners with all seven City Colleges of Chicago and Prairie State and South Suburban Colleges.

The students who participated are enrolled in IEFs Signature Scholarship program which provides comprehensive student support services including mentoring, academic advising, professional development and financial assistance.

According to IEF, its scholars have a median household income of $14,000. In addition, 43.5 percent of IEF Scholars are African American and another 43.5 percent are Hispanic.

Surprisingly, the average age of scholars in the organizations program is 27 years old. Many of the older participants have returned to college because they have found it difficult to compete in the global market without having at least a bachelors degree.

I cant think of a better way to give back to the community than investing in students, said Tony Anderson, Ernst & Young Vice Chair and Midwest Managing Partner, who gave the keynote address. At Ernst & Young, were committed to supporting education and creating a path toward college completion for students in underserved communities. The strength of our economy, the caliber of our future workforce and our global competitiveness depend on it. Thats why we applaud the efforts of IEF, which helps low-income students attend college, prepare for a career and achieve their full potential.

Il. Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas presented scholar Timothy Bradford with a tie donated and signed by Governor Pat Quinn, to inaugurate the IEFs Ties That Bind/Scarves That Support initiative, a new effort to provide pathways for IEF Scholars into the professional world.

"Access to higher education is critical to ensuring that Illinois continues to compete in the global economy," Gov. Quinn said in a statement. "Organizations like the IEF are leading the way in helping more students attend community college and preparing them for successful careers."

Bradford is a student at Harold Washington College studying anthropology. An Iraq War veteran, he plans to become a community organizer because he wants to educate people.

I feel special, Bradford told the Chicago Citizen about receiving recognition from the governor. I feel like someone is paying attention to my work. Bradford said he is a non-traditional student and the honor made him feel a sense of achievement. Its always good to have positive reinforcement, he added.

Bradford appreciated the apparel he received too. I got several suits, shoes and tiesquality tools for me to go in for a job interview, he said.

Nadia Crawley, a student at Prairie State College in south suburban Chicago Heights also spoke on the new additions to her wardrobe.

I absolutely loved the Suited for Success event, she told the Chicago Citizen. It was literally an out of body experience. I wasn't too sure what to expect, other than being fitted for a donated suit. But when I discovered the other items we were to receive, the dress workshop, and the room full of dedicated professionals, I was blown away. I thank the IEF and everyone who came that to show support and encouragement for us students.

Ekaterina Munter, a student at Truman College realized during the event, the importance of maintaining a professional appearance

It was a fabulous experience! she said. This event made me rediscover myself. I am a completely different person when I wear business attire. Only through this event I realized how its crucial to look professional. The event motivated me to finish my education and move on into my business career in Human Resource Management.

The IEF is currently accepting applications for its 2012-2013 Signature Scholarship Program. For more information visit www.iledfoundation.org/applynow.

By Thelma SardinTwitter: @thelmasardin

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