Community group pitches 12-month career-readiness, entrepreneurship program offering $3,500 stipend

An organizer for Wisdom in Motion described the group’s career-readiness and entrepreneurship program during the Youth City Council’s oral communications period on Aug. 28. The program targets high school–age youth (about 14–17) and runs 12 months, the presenter said.

The presenter said the first six months pair students with mentors for career exploration, resume building, interview skills and career-interest testing. The second six months focus on entrepreneurship: writing business plans, pitching to investors, shadowing local business owners and opportunities for internships or stipends. The presenter said students who complete the full program receive $3,500 for vocational school and that the group partners with Hutchinson Community College (HCC) to assist with additional funding for programs that exceed the stipend.

The presenter said the kickoff and sign-up event is scheduled for the following day and invited students to attend; she provided a Facebook page (Wisdom in Motion), a website (www.wisdominmotionks.com) and a phone number (620-960-9092) for contact. A student in the room who said she had participated described the program’s “leadership, community service, understanding your value and self worth” components and said she had enjoyed meetings and meeting new people.

The organizer said guest speakers at the kickoff would include a representative of Richardson Brothers construction and youth advocate Latonya Ross, and that food will be provided at the event. The presenter described internship stipend opportunities and said career-readiness and entrepreneurship directors would attend to give detailed presentations.

No formal action by the Youth City Council was taken on the program during the meeting.