What does a young person do when they are sitting in class at the beginning of their senior year, only to not know what they want to do? “Get your education” and you will have a good high paying job. That is what you are being told, but many students don’t quite know what they want to do. Classes today are taught for the test, not to find desire within the student. Many do not find inspiration and don’t know how, especially if apprenticeships don’t exist.
The meeting taking place at the Orchid Events and Catering on Wednesday, September 2s was an early morning gathering of fellow business and educational leaders hearing from Cheryl Mitchell on the CEO program that New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald thought was very valuable. He had heard of this program from Mickey Hill of Curves.
One aspect that stuck out was how many kids at the beginning of the year in the program thought they would leave the area—17 of 20—when they graduated high school. By the end of the year, after completing the CEO program, it was reversed—only 3 wanted to leave. Many had realized how they could add to their community by starting their own business.
The presentation was intended for East Allen School system but colleges and others are also interested. With so many colleges and high schools interest, a process for dual credits with colleges and universities was also discussed.
Did you know that every business you see along the road was started by someone? It didn’t just magically appear. The program teaches the value of responsibility, time, money, and making a big difference.
The program is not so easy for students who love the linearity of our current education system. It takes thinking outside the box and educators have realized that the grades don’t necessarily correlate to running a business.
The students are chosen, not by grades, but by their application, recommendations, and passion in their writing. Names are removed during the application review process to make certain bias is removed.
The program’s intentions are to grow communities while keeping the largest community “export”—young people—in the community.
The program was very fascinating and it was great to see how active these students, previously uninvolved, be filled with such passion. The program that was started in 2012 is taking off all throughout the midwest. Business owners have no need to be afraid of the competition it could create, but embrace it as building a stronger society, community, and ultimately business.
Chamber of Commerce, classes, students, teachers, business owners, and even family are excited since so many other programs have failed at keeping young people in the community. This way they have a chip in the game.
If you want to know more about this program contact mayor Terry McDonald at (260) 748-7070 or tmcdonald@newhavenin.org.
