The AIM Institute is putting the final touches on a proposal to develop a prototype business designed to prepare out-of-school youth for work or further education. Known as the New Options for Youth Initiative, AIM and its NOI working committee envision the prototype business would be framed within the franchise model, whereby the youth would be “employee owners” who would learn by doing from the first day they are “hired". Consistent with AIM’s mission, the business would focus on an information technology career pathway.
 

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Mich. has funded the effort to develop the prototype concept and has recently encouraged AIM to submit a proposal for an additional 18 months of funding to test some of the prototype concepts. Leading the effort at AIM are John Jeanetta, vice president of research and planning, and Brad McPeak, vice president of strategic partnerships. Click here for more information about the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and its New Options Initiative.

In preparation for the proposal submission, Jeanetta is soliciting feedback from a variety of interested parties. “I want to take the prototype to as many stakeholder groups as possible between now and mid-February to gather their reactions and suggestions,” Jeanetta says.

The prototype business proposed by AIM and the NOI working committee was created on the central premise that out-of-school youth want to be fully engaged in what they are doing; they want learning to be relevant; they want to make a difference in their community; they want relationships with positive, caring adults; and they want to learn through total immersion.

The prototype company — dubbed Get Into IT, Inc. — would provide a variety of entry-level IT support services to the community, such as data entry, web design, pc repair, and desktop support. A student would work toward a credential through the assessment of his or her academic, technical, motivational, and career skills, based on customer feedback and the company’s overall progress in meeting its objectives. The potential to earn salary increases and company “shares” would also serve as performance motivators. 

To learn more about this prototype or to request a presentation, please contact:

John Jeanetta
VP Research & Planning
402-345-5025 Ext. 127
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