Operation GO celebrates alternative secondary education options

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Local Rochester students were recognized on Saturday for completing a youth apprenticeship program.

Operation GO is a 10-week program that helps students identify an entrepreneurial career path before graduating or immediately after high school. The initiative was launched last year.

Students participated in one of four different programs: sneaker creation, music production, video production, and clothing design.

Justin Ortiz, Founder and CEO of the program says that secondary education options are important for youth and education leaders to prioritize.

“I’m actively working with the City of Rochester to support President Biden’s call for state and local leaders to dedicate more American Rescue Plan funding to make communities safer,” said Ortiz. “This will support summer programming offered by Operation GO and will also allow us to offer students a stipend for participating.”

Ortiz is also working with Rochester City School District, Monroe County Youth Detention Center, Step to College in partnership with the University of Rochester and East High School and other organizations to help address the need for more resources that supports Rochester-area youth in a way to celebrate students well before high school graduation.

To learn more about Operation GO, click here.