Building Bridges

Building Bridges is an initiative to advance the professional development of Cornell College's domestic students of color, and the program is co-sponsored by the Career Engagement Center and the Office of Intercultural Life. Up to 25 students are selected for the Building Bridges program. Applications for the 2012-2013 program are due Monday, September 17, 2012. Please contact RJ Holmes-Leopold or Ken Morris with questions.

Learning Outcomes
By participating in the Building Bridges program, Cornell students of color will:

• Be able to articulate the value of a variety of professional skills necessary for success in the world of work 
• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in applying a variety of professional skills through networking experiences with Corridor area professionals 
• Be able to identify tangible professional goals that will advance their academic and career interests

Program Expectations
The success of Building Bridges is predicated on a shared commitment of time, effort, and energy by students, staff, alumni, and community partners. As such, all program participants are expected to meet the following:

• Attendance at the Kick-Off and Celebration events
• Attendance at two of three partner events: Alumni of Color panel, Workforce Essentials Workshops, Corridor Networking
• Conducting three informational interviews
• Completing the Strong Interest Inventory
• Participating in on-going reflection exercises 
• Creating and refining a Cornell Action Plan
• Submitting the $20 program fee

Application Process and Program Fee
All Cornell domestic students of color are eligible to apply for the Building Bridges program. Applicants should submit a resume (please have the document reviewed by a Career Assistant in the CEC) and a one-page personal statement articulating why they are interested in the Building Bridges Program and what they hope to gain from their experience.  Applications are available and will only by accepted using JOIN.

Candidates will be notified of their application status by Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Students selected for the program will need to confirm their participation and remit $5 of their $25 program fee by Friday, September 21, 2012. The balance of the program fee will be due by October 12, 2012.

Program Schedule 2012-2013

Block 1

• Fall Workshop, Saturday, September 22, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Thomas Commons
• Assignment: Strong Interest Inventory

• Alumni of Color Reunion, Saturday, October 6, Time TBA, Stoner House
• Diversity Focus Student Leadership Conference, Friday, October 19, Mount Mercy University
• Assignment: Cornell Action Plan

• Personal Branding Workshop I, Date & Time TBA, CEC
• Informational Interviews Workshop, Date & Time TBA, Cedar Rapids
• Assignment: Informational Interview

Block 4

• Information Interview Presentation, Date & Time TBA, CEC

Block 5

• Personal Branding Workshop II, Date & Time TBA, CEC
• Assignment: Cornell Action Plan

Block 6

• Mock Interview Workshop, Date & TIme TBA, Cedar Rapids
• Assignment: Job and Internship Search

Block 7

• Wellness Workshop, Date & Time TBA, Cedar Rapids
• Assignment: Block Break Exploreship

Block 8

• Closing Banquet
• Assignment: Cornell Action Plan

Spring 2012 Participants