Feeling invisible is a common theme in high school. Millions of American teens dye their hair, smoke cigarettes and listen to Slayer just to get some attention. These students have dreams and goals and some undoubtedly misguided ideas on how to achieve them. And it is Alvaro Diazs job to listen to all of them.
Diaz is the executive director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley. His office just finished selecting students for the 2nd Annual Futuros Empresarios program, an entrepreneurship forum and internship program that connects career-minded students with Lehigh Valley companies who might one day use their services. Students in grades 9-11 apply through their guidance counselor and, after completing a written application and a 3-part essay, are considered for the program. This year, Diaz selected 24 students for a week-long job training session at DeSales University, followed by a paid internship at one of the Lehigh Valleys top companies. The program begins next week and Diaz is ready to create the Valleys next crop of movers and shakers.
The sooner the kids begin to explore the real world, the better, says Diaz. We want to create a cadre of students who are go-getters, who care for the community and who have a better understanding of their responsibilities as citizens.
With eyes firmly on their mission of community development, Diaz hopes his young protégés will get a glimpse of the thriving market for Hispanic businesses in the Lehigh Valley. And his timing couldnt be better. According to a 2009 Chamber of Commerce study, the Hispanic community is the fastest-growing population in the region, making up nearly 10 percent of residents. But before they can become captains of industry, Diaz says, they have to learn the basics. And Futuros Empresarios is a good start.
Kids dont know any better, says Diaz. Why do you have to pay your bills? Why do you have to have a good credit rating? How do you balance a checking account? We also teach good manners, eye contact, shaking hands. Remove that silly hat, you dont need that for an interview, how to answer the telephone. Our instructors will be talking to them about these things that, unfortunately, we are losing in our society. If, out of the 24, one of them succeeds with these things, we will feel satisfied.
Source: Alvaro Diaz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Writer: John Steele