17 Dec From Baseball to Bright Futures: How the Mariano Rivera Foundation Empowers Students
While visiting the New York area recently, Jan Steiner, founder of Trade Works USA, took a meaningful detour into Carlstadt, New Jersey, after enjoying a fabulous Polish dinner at Tatar Haus in Wallington, her father’s hometown. The meal, reminiscent of her Babcia’s (Polish for grandma) cooking, added a personal touch to what would be an inspiring day. Jan had the opportunity to witness the incredible impact of the Mariano Rivera Foundation, a program closely aligned with Trade Works’ mission to empower students seeking fulfilling career paths in the trades.
As Jan stepped into the classroom set up within the Premium Color Graphics facility, she was greeted by Luis A. Villa, the Vice President of Production & Industrial Print, who shared the vision behind their print curriculum. The program, designed to equip students with practical, hands-on skills in design, production, and business management, is a prime example of how education can lead to real-world opportunities. This curriculum is more than just theory; it’s a pathway to career readiness for students who may not see a traditional college path as their only option.
The print curriculum provides a deep dive into essential areas like workflow, finishing, product creation, and even business management. It’s a model that aligns perfectly with the mission of the Mariano Rivera Foundation: to give underserved minority youth the skills and tools they need to build a brighter future.
A Legacy of Hard Work
Mariano Rivera, known to millions for his legendary baseball pitching career with the New York Yankees, including 5 World Series Championships, is not only the first and only player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame but also a champion for youth development. His foundation’s work reflects his belief that “hard work puts you where luck finds you.” The curriculum Jan explored is a living example of that principle, offering students a chance to transform hard work into lasting success.
A Shared Vision: Empowering Future Generations
At Trade Works USA, we share the Mariano Rivera Foundation’s belief that every student deserves the chance to achieve their potential. Our mentorship program and resources are designed to inspire high school students, educators, and industry professionals to see the trades as a career choice and a life-changing opportunity.
Whether print, electrical work, construction, or countless other trades, we want to help students discover a pathway that aligns with their talents and ambitions. If you’re ready to take the first step, we invite you to complete a career assessment on our website. This simple assessment will help us understand your interests and connect you with a mentor who can guide you on this exciting journey.
Take the First Step Today
Click here to complete the assessment: Trade Works USA Career Assessment
Your future in the trades is waiting, we’re here to help you achieve it.