Abstract

An AmeriCorps*VISTA serving a low-income population in rural, south central Missouri collaborated with local volunteers and students to help promote the arts. Together they developed experiential learning opportunities and facilitated community members in guiding and mentoring entrepreneurial youth. VISTA member, Antoinne Jones, submitted this effective practice in October 2009.

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Issue

As a new grassroots organization, the Ozarks Regional Foundation & Affiliated Trusts has witnessed a decrease in jobs and opportunities in rural, south central Missouri, while levels of poverty in the region have been steadily on the rise.  Studies have shown that one way to break the cycle of poverty is by supporting individuals and communities in entrepreneurial development. Specifically, it is essential for these skills to be transferred to the younger generation.

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Action

The project began with a focus on entrepreneurship opportunities in the arts.  Working with local art teachers the AmeriCorps*VISTA member envisioned an event where students would be able demonstrate their talent by displaying their art.  To build capacity, efforts included:

• Establishing the Ozarks Arts Council and incorporating as a new nonprofit — the first arts organization in the area.
• Putting on an art show and sale during the winter months that included two schools and another show the following spring.
• Hosting and judging a travelling art show and sale open to all high school-age art students in the south central Ozarks. This show visited five communities in four counties and will continue beyond the end of the VISTA term. 
• Working with several public high school classes in integrating leadership and entrepreneurship into the curriculum.  For example, a high school business teacher in Mansfield, Missouri, adopted portions of the Nebraska 4-H ESI entrepreneurship curriculum for use in her classroom.   And in Houston, Missouri, alternative school teachers introduced entrepreneurship activities to their at-risk students, leading to plans for a school-based business in 2010.
• Inviting guest speakers from the community to all of the classes to discuss various aspects of small business ownership — including start-up, business plans, and effective marketing techniques.
• Exploring different career opportunities through field trips with alternative high school classes.

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Context

The mission of the Ozarks Regional Foundation & Affiliated Trusts is to enhance and sustain the viability of the rural Ozarks.  The Foundation serves an 11-county region that is predominantly agricultural.  Many of the communities in the region have a population of 500 or less, and are located 50-100 miles from Springfield, Missouri.  With decades of decline in the dairy industry, rural communities in the region are seeking new economic  opportunities.  As the unemployment rate continues to increase, and traditional farming declines, the Foundation is striving to create programs that highlight promising alternatives.

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Outcome

Serving with the executive director of the Foundation, three VISTA members created partnerships with youth councils, local businesses, chambers of commerce, University Extension, and numerous citizens.  The Foundation also sponsored regional trainings in financial literacy, agri-tourism and value-added agriculture, and helped a regional youth fair board expand its annual event and become financially solvent.

As a result of these efforts, two alternative high school classes are starting a school business.  They will sell school supplies to their peers as well as fun items to promote greater school spirit.  This gives the students a chance to take leadership roles and learn responsibility, as well as reconnect with a school and a community from which they have felt alienated.

In just a few months, the students made valuable community connections, gained access to needed expertise, and confidence that will support their venture in the future.

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Evidence

• 123 youth/adult participants from 13 communities
• Over 50 volunteers and 950 volunteer hours generated
• Over $1,200 in funding and over $26,500 in-kind resources raised

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Posted On

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For More Information

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Resources

Useful resources that can be found in any state include University Extension, small business development centers, and the secretary of state’s office.  All of the Missouri state resources were compiled as a directory which has been added to the Foundation’s website.

Related Practices

• Collaborating to develop job skills in the culinary arts for at-risk youth
• Expanding youth employment opportunities with an entrepreneurial endeavor

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Related sites

Ozarks Regional Foundation

MU Extension Youth Entreprises

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