At Joe Rizza, one of our scholars no longer waits to be told every step.

He knows where the supplies belong. He understands the routine. He looks around, sees what needs to be done, and gets to work.

That confidence was built over time.

With guidance from Santiago and the continued support of Joe Rizza, a scholar who once needed reminders now takes greater ownership of his responsibilities and pride in a finished vehicle.

And that is what more than a decade of partnership can create.

A Partnership That Has Stood the Test of Time

Joe Rizza has been part of the iCan Dream Center story since 2014, making them our longest-running community worksite partner.

For more than a decade, they have welcomed our scholars into a real work environment where they can learn through hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop skills that prepare them for future employment.

That consistency matters.

It creates a place where scholars can build relationships, learn workplace routines, take on responsibility, and grow over time.

Learning by Doing

At Joe Rizza, scholars are not simply observing.

They are working.

Through automotive detailing, they learn how to follow directions, organize supplies, complete tasks, work as part of a team, and take pride in doing the job well.

For the scholar in our story, that growth became visible.

At first, he needed reminders about what came next. Over time, he became more comfortable with the routine and more confident recognizing what needed to be done.

Now, there is pride in stepping back, looking at a finished vehicle, and knowing, “I helped do that.”

A Special Shout-Out to Santiago

Behind every successful worksite experience is someone willing to teach, encourage, and see potential.

For our scholars at Joe Rizza, Santiago has been that person.

His patience, consistency, and willingness to teach have helped create an environment where our scholars feel welcomed and capable. He provides guidance without rushing, gives them room to practice, recognizes their progress, and encourages greater independence.

For the scholar in our story, Santiago’s support helped turn uncertainty into confidence.

We are incredibly grateful to Santiago for the way he continues to show up for our scholars and for the role he plays in making this partnership so meaningful.

More Than a Worksite

What makes Joe Rizza special is not simply that they provide a place to work.

They provide a place where our scholars are expected to contribute.

They are given real responsibilities, encouraged to improve, and treated like members of the team.

That sense of belonging can change how a young person sees employment and how they see themselves.

For some scholars, this may be the first time they experience what it feels like to be depended on in a professional setting.

Joe Rizza helps make that experience meaningful.

Support the Businesses That Support Our Scholars

We are incredibly grateful to Joe Rizza for continuing to invest in iCan Dream Center scholars year after year.

To our families, partners, and community members, we encourage you to support the businesses that support our young people. The next time you are looking for a vehicle, automotive service, or other automotive needs, consider Joe Rizza.

And to other businesses and organizations in our community, there is another scholar at the iCan Dream Center who is ready to work, learn, contribute, and become part of a team.

Your organization could be the place where that growth begins.

If your organization is interested in becoming an iCan Dream Center worksite partner, please contact Dr. Michae’ Wiley, Director of Career Pathways and Partnerships, at [email protected].

Since 2014, Joe Rizza has done more than open its doors.

It has helped our scholars see what is possible when someone gives them the opportunity to prove what they can do.