A year ago, the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University (WSU) launched SPERO, a program that aimed to broaden WSU’s ability to provide relevant, shorter-term educational pathways to meaningful employment for city residents.
The Charles Koch Foundation (CKF) will continue to support SPERO in its second year. The program recently also announced support from other corporate and nonprofit foundations.
In its second year, SPERO will expand the scope and course programming for its two tracks: Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship. With expanded support, Career Readiness will welcome additional applicants and add a Career Advancement Program that will provide graduates with ongoing support for continued job placement and career advancement with employer partners like Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Cargill, Cox Communications, IMA Financial Group, and Textron Aviation Inc.
The Entrepreneurship track, which provides practical training for residents starting or expanding their businesses, will now include a Venture Advancement Program that will offer access to market research and consulting services, privileged resources, and hands-on expertise from field experts.
SPERO also will establish an alumni group so graduates can remain engaged and can continue to capitalize on relationships with other alumni, WSU faculty, regional business leaders, and members of Barton School advisory board.
“SPERO is an example of how postsecondary education institutions can adapt to our modern economy and drive the future of work and learning,” said CKF Executive Director Ryan Stowers. “By partnering with local employers, SPERO has created bottom-up change that will enable residents to find purposeful work that allows for economic mobility. We are proud to support this remarkable program as it expands in its second year.”
Applications for SPERO’s two tracks are open. The program will conduct interviews in July. Learn how to apply.