Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar is a Target for Career Development

ALBANY, NY (10/18/2007)(readMedia)-- On Monday October 22, 2007 - 30 Students from Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar program at Albany High School will receive the red carpet treatment at the Colonie Target Store. Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar, the agency, founded by civic leaders and social entrepreneurs in 1996, currently serves 272 aspiring scholars from Troy, Albany, and Schenectady High Schools. CRSAS provides mentors, academic tutoring, and other social interactions for selected students in partnership with the public high schools. These schools, defined as “at-risk”, have a significant student percentage not meeting the minimum competency academic skill levels, based on standardized tests. The students will be accompanied by the Executive Director, William Corbett and the Albany Academic Coordinator Marty Anderson.

Target’s Colonie Store Manager Rhonda Hypnarowski is behind this first ever Career Field Trip. Hypnarowski felt it just seemed to make sense given Target’s growth, need for future leaders and commitment to diversity. Providing young people information regarding Target and the opportunities that exist to find a rewarding career upon graduation from college is a win/win for both organizations. “Because this is a new endeavor for the Albany Target Stores the possibilities for the program to grow are limitless. The key however is that they finish high school and go onto college.” One student in the CRSAS program who is heading in that direction is Tyrone Valasquez. Tyrone graduated last year from AHS and has been in the CRSAS program since he was a sophomore. He has also worked for Target for over three years. He is now in his first year at HVCC, and continues to work part time for Target. The students will get a chance to hear first hand about the career opportunities from a panel of their peers as well as District and store leaders from other Target Stores. “The Goal is to peak their interest early on about a career with Target,” says Hypnarowski. Executive Director, William Corbett is thrilled about the long term relationship that is being built. “When our kids finish college there will be an interview waiting for them. That’s not always so easy in today’s business climate. We hope more business partnerships like this one will continue to emerge.”

Target’s commitment to diversity is a core value, an integral part of how they stock shelves, select merchandise, design stores and welcome guests. It also is reflected in their corporate and store teams, with each member a valued contributor to the whole.’s

For more information please contact Sheila Hogarty Fontenot, Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar, (518)935-1045 or sponsorascholar@yahoo.com

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