Way back in 1995, a group of people got together to form Target Alliance. This group's goal was to have young people be able to explore several different career paths before graduating from high school. As a result, the Target Alliance Career Awareness Summer Camp was designed to introduce young people to various careers in the building and construction trades. The camp has operated yearly through scholarship funds donated through the various union locals and a grant from Prairie Meadows.

Program participants spend one week during the summer at Camp Hantesa near Boone. During that week, campers are bused back daily to Des Moines to experience hands-on work introducing them to different careers with the electricians, carpenters, painters, operating engineers, plumbers/steamfitters, linemen, sheet metal workers, iron works, insulators and asbestos workers. Along with visiting and working at each training center, the student campers have time to experience other camp activities during the week such as swimming, canoeing, hiking and crafts.

Des Moines area elementary schools are currently being asked to select one 5th grade student to attend the Target Alliance Career Awareness Summer Camp. If you have a client, or know of a young person that could benefit from attending this camp, contact that student’s principal or school counselor, or Cheryl Busby (245-7800) at ICHS. Selections for scholarships will be made by mid April.

Contact: Cheryl Busby