We’d like to introduce J. Kent Staffing’s most recent “hiring class” of Program Coordinators and Program Assistants for our nonprofit client. This inspiring organization educates and trains youth on various aspects of financial literacy, business, economics, and entrepreneurship. Put simply, they make learning fun!
Program Coordinators travel to schools throughout the Denver metro area, in primarily under-served communities, to engage with young entrepreneurs and stimulate their interest in learning more about business and entrepreneurship. They facilitate workshops and classes, and mentor young entrepreneurs in their journey to start and grow businesses. These positions require 2+ years’ experience working in and facilitating youth educational programs, ideally with prior classroom experience and knowledge of entrepreneurship.
Program Assistants facilitate an assortment of programs where elementary and middle school-aged children learn about economics and international business in a fun, interactive setting outside of their school and classroom. These are entry-level positions that require 1-2 years’ previous experience working with children in a learning environment and – most importantly – a true passion for working with youth!
Axel (far left) – Originally from Puerto Rico and fluent in both English and Spanish, Axel served in the U.S. Army for 18 years after getting his degree in accounting. Following his military service, he was a teacher and volleyball coach (he still enjoys coaching club volleyball today).
In 2021 he left the classroom for a Program Coordinator role at an education-focused business that administered and managed public school’s state assessments for the state of New Mexico. This position was 100% remote and, during this employment, he moved from New Mexico to Colorado. Eventually, the company decided to require all employees to return to the office and Axel decided to remain in Colorado. Axel started his new Program Coordinator position in May and continues to enjoy living and working in Colorado!
Sydney (far right) – A true mid-westerner, Sydney is from Chicagoland and is a graduate from DePaul University. With 5 years of experience working with students, Sydney has worked in a variety of learning environments both in and out of a classroom setting.
In 2022, Colorado was able to lure Sydney away from the Midwest where she continued her teaching career. This Spring, Sydney interviewed for and was offered this Program Coordinator role prior to her departure on a 6-week trip to Europe. Upon her return to Colorado in July, the offer and her acceptance was re-confirmed, and she began her new job in early August. It was worth the wait for both Sydney and our client!
Lauren (middle left) – Lauren grew up in Broomfield and out of high school worked for King Soopers for 5 years before transitioning to her dream career path of working with kids and making a difference in their lives. For the following 5 years, she worked for AmeriCorps as a Literacy Tutor, as a Paraprofessional, and as a Program Manager for a before-and-after school program. In this next chapter for Lauren, she is enjoying continuing her career journey supporting youth educational programs.
Ronnie (middle right) – Ronnie is a Colorado native and successfully juggles a full-time job while continuing his studies as a Finance major at University of Colorado Denver. He has experience working with students of all ages in various capacities. At CU, he helps students create resumes, prep for job interviews, and prepare for working in professional environments. On weekends he is involved in his church’s Sunday School program for kids ages 6-15.
In his limited free time, Ronnie helps his mother with her nonprofit that purchases used clothing and sends it to Ghana to help those in need. The Program Assistant role was particularly attractive to him as it combined teaching and mentoring youth and his interests in finance.