Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningKansas City, KSNews

Kansas City High School Students Prepare for Summer Internships

High school students at Kansas City internship fair

News Summary

Nearly 1,000 high school students attended the annual ProX Hiring Fair in Kansas City, where 99 local employers offered paid summer internships. ProX, a nonprofit initiative, aims to support youth career development by providing pathways to internships across diverse industries. By summer’s end, it expects to surpass 2,000 placements, enhancing students’ professional networking and mentorship opportunities while addressing the challenge of selecting future talents for local businesses.

Kansas City High School Students Gear Up for Summer with Paid Internship Opportunities

On a sunny Saturday, nearly 1,000 high school students filled the Kansas City Convention Center, buzzing with excitement for the annual ProX Hiring Fair. This event, a gem for young aspiring professionals, showcased 99 local employers eager to connect with students seeking paid summer internships.

A Thriving Initiative

ProX, which has been making waves in the Kansas City community, is entering its fourth summer of providing invaluable pathways for young adults. Recently recognized as a full-blown 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ProX has established itself as a game-changer in supporting youth during their career explorations. Over the years, the program has successfully placed 1,500 interns in various organizations, collaborating with more than 150 employers.

This year, the program anticipates surpassing 2,000 placements by summer’s end. That’s an impressive trajectory for a program that aims to open doors to promising career paths for high school students!

Summer Full of Opportunities

Participants in this memorable internship program can expect to work around 25 hours a week for a span of five weeks. Successful interns are rewarded with a stipend of $1,250 upon completion of their placements, a significant motivator! ProX understands that providing a stipend not only enhances the experience for interns but also encourages employers to engage actively in the program, making these opportunities accessible to all students.

Exciting Internships Across Industries

The vibrant hiring fair boasted exhibitors from an impressive array of 22 different industries, including healthcare, government, and nonprofits. Each stall buzzed with energy as students learned firsthand about the different roles and responsibilities within these fields.

Among the bright-eyed attendees was Shyanne Watson, a freshman from Lee’s Summit North, who managed to secure an internship with the KC Heartland Chamber. This role is an exciting chance for her to help connect businesses with valuable resources, setting the stage for a promising start to her career!

Networking and Mentorship

As the event unfolded, it became clear that the ProX program is about much more than just internships. It prioritizes professional networking and mentorship, aiming to build strong relationships between students and industry professionals. This initiative helps students gain insights and advice, guiding them toward making informed decisions about their futures.

The Challenge of Choice

Industry leaders who attended the fair also felt the energy in the room. One former area football star, now committed to making a difference through his foundation focusing on youth literacy and wellness, expressed the challenge of choosing between numerous passionate, enthusiastic applications from students. It’s not just about hiring; it’s about identifying potential future talent within the Kansas City region!

Looking Ahead

The enthusiasm shown by both students and employers at the ProX Hiring Fair highlights the importance of such programs in building a future workforce that is ready, engaged, and excited to contribute to the Kansas City community. As ProX continues to grow and evolve, the future looks bright for both students looking for guidance in their career paths and for businesses eager to tap into this pool of emerging talent.

With dedicated initiatives like these, Kansas City is creating a pipeline of future leaders and innovators, all while supporting the dreams and goals of its youth. As the summer approaches, many young students are not just dreaming about their futures; they are taking proactive steps to make those dreams a reality!