Teen Fest sets out to Build a Brighter Future

Teen Fest, the Inland Empire's guide for youth looking to expand their horizons, play some games, and participate in informative workshops is scheduled to return for the third time in a series of three events that will kick-off on Saturday, February 16 from noon to 4:00 pm at the Jack Bulik Teen Center and Paul Biane Pavilion, 16581 Filbert Street.

Previous events have included skate competitions, extreme sports events, visits from dozens of universities and vocational schools, as well as employment and community resource booths. Some walked away with smiles, some walked away with jobs. This year, the Community Services Department intends to make the event as rewarding as in years' past and has divided the event into three focused events to take place throughout the year.

The first in the 2008/2009 Teen Fest series will be Building a Brighter Future through workshops, motivational speakers, on-site job interviews, and free give-a-ways.

The event will begin with a motivational speech from a special guest speaker whose life experiences and words of insight will inspire the youth to invest in themselves and to "go find their future."

Résumé writing and interviewing tips.

Success workshops will prepare teens for the adult world by providing them with the tools needed to prosper in school and businesses. The City of Fontana Human Resources department will give several presentations. Workshop topics include Dress for Success, Funding for College, and Interviewing Tips .

Using the state of the art technology in the new computer center, students will improve their technical skills. The Teen Center staff will guide youth through each step of writing résumés, from creating templates to searching the internet for jobs. Students are welcome to then venture to the career development area where on-site job interviews will be available for teens looking for seasonal employment or internships.

Graduation is a part of the Teen Fest message.

Dozens of colleges and vocational schools have also signed up to participate in the 2008 Teen Fest. Each booth will give young adults an opportunity to find out about their programs, application requirements, financial aide, and scholarships. For a list of participating schools, please contact the staff at the Jack Bulik Teen Center, (909) 428-8393.

Teen Fest: Building a Brighter Future is one of the hottest spots for teens to go this winter. In one location, youth will find out more about regional programs and schools than is possible in an afternoon of independently researching colleges and jobs. Most importantly, with such a great variety of opportunities, many will likely walk away with a good idea of the directions that are most appealing for their own futures.

For more information about Teen Fest: Building a Brighter Future , please call the Jack Bulik Teen Center at (909) 428-8393 or visit www.fontanarecreation.org.