USA Funds Grant Inspires Kansas Youth to Think About Their Futures

For the second consecutive year, USA Funds^® has donated $25,000 to the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas. The program teaches free-enterprise fundamentals through hands-on experience primarily to at-risk students in 15 Kansas high schools. USA Funds' contribution supports YEK's classroom program.

The YEK classroom project is the core of the program, which helps students develop the passion and skills to succeed in the economic marketplace and in life. The project stimulates economic thinking, encourages creative and intelligent risk-taking, provides business experience and instills independence and personal responsibility.

Students enroll in YEK as they would a typical high-school business class, meet daily and receive credit toward graduation. YEK offers students experiences that differ significantly from what they would receive in a traditional classroom setting, however.

Some of the components that set YEK apart include:

• Instruction from teachers and curriculum certified by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship.
• Visits from guest speakers representing all aspects of the business community.
• Opportunities for experiential-learning activities such as "The Trading Game" and "Creativity Factory."
• Taking part in a wholesale and retail experience in which students can earn a profit.
• Competing in business-plan competitions in which students win venture-capital awards.
• Scholarships to encourage students to pursue higher education.
• Mentoring by members of the East Wichita Rotary Club as students prepare their business plans each spring.
• Incentives for success such as BizPaks, which include course materials, pens, pencils, a calculator, dictionary and other tools for learning.

"Students who usually don't perform well in other classrooms often excel in the YEK class," said Shelly Chenoweth, YEK executive director. "The coursework and activities make a lasting impression because they are entirely useful. Plus, for many, this is the first time they have had the opportunity to direct their own studies.

"Ultimately, the program inspires students to think about their futures and goals," said Chenoweth. "Students take ownership of their lives by learning the importance of their interests, ideas and passions. Often the young adults who enter our classes have no idea what they want to do in life, but figure it out while involved with the program."

YEK also underscores the value of higher education in reaching students' goals. To help the YEK students understand the costs associated with attending college, USA Funds provided materials outlining how to plan and prepare for college. In addition to the bookmarks, brochures and posters, YEK staff member Brent Zluticky shared with the 550 students enrolled in the program information about seeking financial aid for college. The material is from the USA Funds Life Skills^® financial-literacy program.

Zluticky said the presentation and materials encouraged the students to discuss financial-aid options with their high-school counselors. "The students seemed to truly understand the value of the information provided," he said. "USA Funds Life Skills emphasized the need for advanced planning to pay for college."

"So many students have not even thought about college and beyond," said Chenoweth. "Because the class requirements are challenging, it helps students prepare for the rigors of college-level work. To be successful in the class and in future work, students must look within themselves. YEK helps them build confidence."

The Charles G. Koch Foundation founded YEK in 1991 to provide students with business and entrepreneurial education and experiences that help them prosper and become contributing members of society. Wichita North High School hosted the first class of YEK students. Since then, the program has grown to sites in every traditional public high school in Wichita, as well as Haysville, Valley Center, Augusta, Topeka and Highland Park high schools in Topeka, and Lawrence High School.

Kansas is one of eight states that USA Funds serves as the designated guarantor of federal education loans. USA Funds also is the designated guarantor in Arizona, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and Wyoming.