Join us on Friday Mornings at Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
Vocational Service Committee
Bill Doyle
Chair
“Service through mentorship
and opportunity.”
The twin objectives of the PAUR Vocational Committee are to:
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raise the career trajectories of young professionals.
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give Rotarians the opportunity to invest themselves in meaningful mentorship relationships in partnership with other Rotarians.
PAUR Vocational Committee works with the career development team of Foothill College, a community college serving more than 13,000 students.
Our Programs
The Mentor Program
Graduating seniors or recent graduates who are first generation college students often lack perspective, family knowledge, or college career advice to optimize their entry to and success in the workplace. The PAUR mentor program teams each mentee with two Rotarian mentors who can provide encouragement and advice on a range of challenges including career goals, job search best practices, interview preparation, hiring negotiations, and workplace dynamics. Ten to twenty Rotarians participate each year.
Foothill’s “Springternship” Program
Foothill offers project teams of high school students to local businesses and nonprofit organizations. PAUR works with other local Rotary Clubs to identify and define volunteer projects with value to the organization and students.
Interns with PAUR Rotarians
Some of the Interns
The Intern Program
Rotarians use their contacts to identify meaningful summer employment opportunities for rising first generation college seniors. They coach students on resume, interview, and other job-hunting techniques.
The non-profits, Peninsula College Fund (PCF) and Pursuit of Excellence (POE), refer interested students to the program. When a nonprofit offers meaningful work experience but is unable to meet all of a student’s income needs, PAUR and POE may provide financial support to help bridge the gap.
Students have been placed in both for-profit companies such as Mercedes Benz R&D Division, and non-profits such as Stanford Athletic Department, SLAC National Laboratory, Benentech, and the Ravenswood Family Health Center.
Internships have led to offers of permanent employment.
What People Say
Quote from one of the students we placed:
​​”I would like to take this time to thank you personally for all of your help as this means so much to me knowing that there are people who believe in me as much as you do. Your support motivates me evermore to work my best and hardest to succeed in everything I do, and I hope one day I could help people just as you have helped me. You have given me inspiration which I am beyond grateful for.
Thank you.”
Who Benefits
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Students and young adults gain exposure to real-world career paths and build confidence.
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Local partners receive access to expertise and mentorship.
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Rotarians and other mentors gain fresh perspective, sharpen their leadership skills, and find deep fulfillment by helping the youth succeed.
How To Get Involved
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Individuals—Rotarians and beyond: You can make a lasting impact by mentoring a young person or offering an internship. Reach out and help launch a career.
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Organizations: Partner with us to mentor youth and offer real-world experience. If your organization can host an intern, we’d love to connect.
Please use the contact form to connect with us.