Kendall College and American Management Association Host Youth Leadership Development Program
Kendall College and American Management Association Host Youth Leadership Development Program for Chicago Public High School Juniors and Seniors
More than 200 high school students participated in a two-day program focused on practical business and life skills needed to succeed in the workplace
Chicago—October 6, 2011—The Kendall College School of Business recently hosted more than 200 Chicago Public High School juniors and seniors for a two-day workshop, titled “Business Skills for Future Leaders.” In partnership with Operation Enterprise, the American Management Association’s youth leadership division, students learned about the “Four Cs”—Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication—skills identified by business executives as essential for the 21st Century workplace.
“This workshop, the result of an ongoing collaboration between Kendall College and Operation Enterprise, brings local students much needed exposure to the work environment and the skills that will allow them to succeed,” said Michelle Coussens, dean of the Kendall College School of Business, who was also a presenter. “The students participated in sessions that focused on Leadership, Communication Skills and Projecting a Positive Professional Image, and it was evident that each session imparted valuable information that will benefit them greatly as they contemplate their future careers.”
The two-day event combined theory with real-world challenges, via practical, hands-on sessions. Workshops covered topics on personal leadership and its impact on success, developing a flexible communications style, and the importance of body language in creating a positive professional image.”The business workshop offered to our students not only provided them with skills to enhance their high school careers, but allowed them to see firsthand how learning about the Four C’s will impact their college and career paths, “said Kye-Anne Wilborn, Program Coordinator for the Career & Technical Education Business Program at Chicago Public Schools. “The lessons learned are invaluable to our students’ success.”
Students joining the workshop represented the following Chicago Public Schools in the Career & Technical Education Business Cluster: ABEA, Julian, Schurz, Simeon and School of Entrepreneurship (SOE).
About The Kendall College School of Business:
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education, foodservice management and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2500 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. The School of Business emphasizes the critical skills and professional edge needed to excel in today’s global workforce, resulting in graduates who are professional, confident and prepared for a variety of service-oriented career fields. The innovative, yet practical, curriculum utilizes tools such as situation-based challenges, living case studies, management simulations and integrative projects. It focuses not only on business functions, but also on the softer skills essential for long term career advancement and provides opportunities for students to develop meaningful connections with the business community. Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Media Contacts:
Amber Cerda, 312-752-2472, amber.cerda@kendall.edu
Maria Alexandra Velez, 1-312-752-2088, maria.velez@kendall.edu
