High school students have many paths to follow: which college to attend, summer job opportunities, and what to keep on their busy schedules. There is a new program for high school juniors in your community. Kankakee Valley REMC is holding its first-ever Junior Board of Directors program. This is the perfect addition to help guide high school juniors as they look ahead to college or other opportunities.
"Colleges and even businesses are looking for well-rounded students who not only have good grades but are also involved and have strong leadership skills,” stated Alissa Tucker, director of human resources for Kankakee Valley REMC. “The Junior Board of Directors program is a stepping stone to help them get noticed when applying to college or their first job.”
This new youth program will allow students to be part of a functioning board. While one aspect will be the ability to help decide on youth engagement programs for KV REMC, much of the program will be interacting with community leaders and professionals while learning about our great community.
To apply for this program, students must complete an application. Ten students will be accepted onto the board. All students who complete the program from October to June will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The board events will take place during the school day, lasting from a half to a full day, depending on the agenda.
Big cities have programs like the Junior Board of Directors, but the opportunities become fewer and fewer the further into rural communities.
Opportunities exist outside of cities, but young people with big dreams struggle to see them that way. Kankakee Valley REMC intends to show Junior Board of Directors members the complexities of their communities and that there is a place for their goals within that space.
"Rural communities continue to see the younger generation look to larger cities to put down their roots post-college. This program will show students the unique opportunities hidden in the backyard of the communities that have invested in them for many years. Opportunities range from field trips to conversations with legislators and community leaders. We feel this program will provide an opportunity far beyond any leadership program currently offered," stated Steeb.
The Junior Board of Directors will learn leadership skills, begin networking, and demonstrate community involvement. These attributes are extremely valuable to college admissions offices and hiring managers.
"This is a program that other cooperatives have offered throughout the state. They have had great success and we hope to as well," Tucker said.
This program is a great way to enrich yourself, college, or job applications. The opportunity is available to any high school junior. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2022. Don't miss out!
To learn more about the Junior Board of Directors, visit https://www.kvremc.com/community-programs/junior-board-of-directors.
To learn more about Kankakee Valley REMC, visit https://www.kvremc.com/.