Teen talent is not emerging, it is here. That was the key message from a youth panel during a two-day entrepreneurship event in Greeley.
Startup Colorado, a nonprofit focused on supporting rural entrepreneurs, travels to communities identified as rural economic drivers to host a two-day event featuring panels, educational seminars and hands-on technical assistance. The Weld Trust awarded Startup Colorado a grant to bring the event to Greeley to help people develop skills needed for rewarding careers and provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and funders.
The youth panel featured six high school students from across Weld County. Four panelists participate in school-based enterprises and two run their own businesses.
“Across Northern Colorado, students have access to more than ever before,” Rebecca Albert, Director of Career Innovation at Weld RE 5J said. “They can enter college and career pathways with technical skills developed and Colorado essential skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and professionalism.”
Roosevelt High School in Johnstown has a student-run retail store, The Exchange. This year, students created and presented a proposal to school administrators requesting extended store hours to increase profits.
Jackson, a Roosevelt Senior and Exchange employee, said that experience taught him about the business world and has made him rethink his future goals, and helped him develop valuable skills.
“I used to not be able to hold a conversation with one person but after working at The Exchange I can talk to his whole room,” Jackson said. “The Exchange has also set me up for success at my job at McDonalds. A lot of the skills I use there I got from The Exchange.”
Garrett Hall, a senior at Weld Central High School, started his own business breeding and raising high-quality chickens including rare exhibition-style breeds.
“Being a child in an adult industry you have to advocate for yourself,” he said. “I had to prove to everyone that I am in this for the long run.”
Through the Workforce Development initiative, The Weld Trust is committed to development of career pathways, work-based learning opportunities and adult upskilling training resources. Startup Colorado checks all those boxes. For the youth in particular, it was a great opportunity to showcase their talents in front of employers and investors.