Texas Border Business
Weslaco, TX – The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Weslaco ISD, is seeking business applications for the 2018 nCourage Youth Program. The mentoring program will take place at participating businesses on November 13 & 14. An introductory orientation for the participating businesses will be held at the Weslaco Business Visitor and Event Center prior to the mentoring dates.
nCourage is designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to observe and interact in the daily operations of a participating local business. The two-day program gives students an opportunity to interact with business leaders and institutions to explore career options, leadership, and broaden their perspectives of Rio Grande Valley businesses. Students will understand workplace operations and have real-world experience. This program motivates students while exposing them to professional environments, often resulting in confirmation of professional interests and a refined approach to career opportunities such as college major and/or trade profession/curriculum. nCourage emphasizes leadership and trade skills through multiple angles such as one-on-one mentor interaction, hands-on business practices, and business site tours.
In 2017, 70 students participated in the program; they had access to hands-on training by local business leaders. Through this partnership over 30 businesses had a chance to interact and mentor students.
“There’s nothing better than providing kids with a real-world work experience, or at least as close to it as you can get,” said Doug Croft, Weslaco Chamber President/CEO. “This program supports the development of a well-trained and happy workforce and it can really make an impact on high school seniors who are deciding what they’ll do after graduation.”
“Implementing nCourage was the first step to building a prosperous partnership between students and the business community,” said Luis J. Reyes, Magic Valley Electric Co-op Communications Manager, Weslaco Chamber Board Chair and nCourage Committee Chair. “Now, we need more business leaders to help us inspire the future workforce through the nCourage program.”
“We’re all about getting our kids ready for the future,” said Sue Peterson, Weslaco I.S.D. Assistant Superintendent. “We want to make sure they are ready with the skills they need to be highly successful at their jobs. We’re very excited about the collaboration that’s taking place between local businesses, the Weslaco Chamber and Weslaco ISD.”
Local businesses that would like to participate in the program can download an application at www.weslaco.com and return it to the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday, September 24.
For more information about the program please call 956-968-2102
