Kids learning ‘Biz Ideaz’ |
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By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition |
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Nov. 3, 2005 - Williamson County and the Cooperative Extension Program of Prairie View A&M University, have teamed up to provide a New Communities Texas project called "Kids with Biz Ideaz: A new generation of possibilities" that addresses the needs of children, youth and families at risk. Kids with Biz Ideas is coordinated by David D. Wright, CEA 4-H and Youth Development, and Maggie M. Johnson, CEA Family and Consumer Sciences. The New Communities Project is a five year $18,000 grant focused on entrepreneurship with Duck University in Taylor, Texas. "We are one of four counties who received the grants. Other cities include El Paso, Brown and Conroe," explained Wright. "Taylor Middle School received $18,000 locally. Statewide, the program received $99,000." Thirty-two youth, ranging from 6th to 8th grade, are involved in a series of two educational programs per week during each school semester. "The lessons are taught on Tuesday and Wednesday and go from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at an after school program. We began teaching on Sept. 27 and will conclude Nov. 15. It will start up again in January and last for eight weeks," said Wright. "The kids don't have to be there, but they want to be there. They are anxious to learn." The purpose of the project is to prepare youth with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurial thinkers, doers and contributors to the Texas economy. "We look at different ways of running a business. And, the kids have found out that it's not as easy as they thought it would be," said Wright. "It's a unique situation because all of the kids are smart and creative and every one wants to be the leader." Wright and Johnson teach using help from a program called HotShot, which is available at Disney.com. "It is like starting an entrepreneurship," explained Wright. "They put you in different real-life situations, where the kids pay a profit and rent. These kids do have very good ideas." At the conclusion of the course, a trade show, called Entrepreneurial Minds will be held. The students will put together their business and their plans and showcase their business ideas. There are three main objectives Wright wants to accomplish. "I want to have a trade show at the end of the course. I want to form a 4-H club that meets once a month to discuss entrepeneurial ideas. I also want to form teen leaders. I want the kids who have already taken the courses to help us teach the classes," Wright concluded. To learn more about this innovative program, you may contact David D. Wright or Maggie M. Johnson at (512)943-3300. |
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