(Riverton, WY) – A program to spur the creativity and entrepreneurship of our local youth was a wish of the late Brett Watson. His family, friends, and community members have been working hard to see his vision come to fruition for this upcoming summer.
What initially began as a plan for a National Lemonade Day has become a youth entrepreneur program called Brett’s Business Builders in his honor.
The Watson family decided on the program name and shared the following vision and mission for the program at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Vision:
To help students develop real world skills that will serve them well beyond their formal education.
Mission:
Cultivate the creative spirit in Riverton youth by promoting an enterprising kid-centered/kid-driven program, building strong community connections and mentorship opportunities. Our youth will have the chance for amazing success towards their individual goals.
Our goal is to help our youth transform their ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value. Additionally, this program will provide entrepreneurship programs for elementary students and mentorship opportunities for middle school, high school, college students and community and business leaders.
Kids will discover their own personal strengths to bring greater confidence in all areas of life.
There are still plenty of ways for the community to get involved and see this program come to life including fundraising and mentoring.
Riverton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Winslow and First Interstate Bank President Mark Evans are spearheading the fundraising efforts. Those interested in making a donation can contact either one of them directly.
Those interested in learning about being a mentor to the youth are encouraged to attend an informative training planned for April 11th at 5:30 pm. The location will be announced at a later date. If you would like to be a mentor but cannot attend the meeting, please email [email protected] before April 5th.
Once the mentors are in place and trained, the program will then be rolled out to 3rd-5th graders to sign-up. Additional training and discussions will follow the rollout, which is planned for May 4th and will continue all summer.
Anyone with questions can contact the Riverton Ambassadors at [email protected].