Fourteen Macomb High juniors that are part of the Macomb Youth Leadership Organization (MYLO) met their Business Partners for lunch on October 28 at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria. MYLO is a partnership of Macomb High School, the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Illinois Extension. MYLO is a three year program which exposes selected students to a variety of leadership development exercises and events. Each year of the program provides a different experience. Students interested in being part of MYLO apply at the end of their freshman year and are selected by a panel of teachers and advisors.
During the second year of the program, MYLO students are paired with a local business professional that works in the student’s career field of interest. According to Chamber Executive Director Steven Brody, “We pair the students with a Business Partner that can provide them with an in-depth look into their field of work. We encourage the Business Partners to invite the student to meetings, job sites, or any other task that provides a realistic view of not only what they do at their job, but what they do here in Macomb.” The intent is to show the students that Macomb offers a variety of career opportunities that many think they might only find in a larger metropolitan area. “These students are some of the top members in their class, having been selected through an application process to participate in the program. The hope is that we encourage the students to consider working in Macomb after completing their education. These are students that can add value to our community” stated Hailea Hadsall, MHS faculty and MYLO advisor.
Brody and Hadsall recognized the contributions of the participating Business Partners as part of the continued success of the program. “The students always have so many wonderful stories to tell once they complete their job shadowing” Hadsall added. Business Partners are asked to meet with their student twice during the school year for a minimum of two hours each visit to keep it manageable for the busy partners.
However, students are often exposed to a wealth of information in that time.
If you are interested in being a Business Partner in the MYLO program, or supporting the program financially, please contact Steven Brody at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, 309-837-4855.
