Tuesday, November 20, 2012

C  I  T  Y    O  F    A  T  L  A  N  T  A

ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER NATALYN ARCHIBONG TO HOST TAKING ACTION TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES (T.A.T.O.O.) MOCK INTERVIEW COMPETITION AMONG STUDENTS FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH AND CARVER SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

ATLANTA – Atlanta City Council Member Natalyn Archibong is hosting the Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles (T.A.T.O.O.) Mock Interview Competition from 4:15 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16 in the old Council Chamber, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.

More than a dozen seniors from Frederick Douglass High and Carver School of Technology will compete for a mock internship position in the White House.  The winner of the competition will receive $100. 

T.A.T.O.O. is a nonprofit organization that strives to create opportunities for underserved youth through exposure to new experiences, interaction with diverse role models, and engagement in authentic learning opportunities.

One of the goals of the mock interview competition is to teach the students résumé writing and interviewing skills in preparation for life after high school.  Over the past few weeks, the students have participated in workshops that covered résumé, cover letter, and thank you letter writing tips; proper interview attire; and tips for answering common interview questions. 

Another goal of the competition is for the students to envision themselves actually applying for a position.  Next year upon entering a two or four year college, the students of Frederick Douglass High and Carver School of Technology will be eligible to apply for the prestigious White House Internship Program.

Each year a select group of young men and women are chosen from across the country to dedicate their time, talents, energy, and service to better the White House, the community, and the nation. These committed citizens become a part of the White House team. The assignments given to an intern on any given day could include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing events.

While the interns’ responsibilities and tasks vary by department, all interns are united through weekly events including a weekly speaker series with senior staff members and small group meetings exploring different policy aspects of the Executive Office of the President through speakers, discussion and off-site field trips. Most importantly, the internship experience includes an emphasis on service and interns participate in regularly scheduled service projects at schools and non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C.