Opportunity Academy

LUMIN Schools recently launched a career exploration program for its 452 middle school students under the direction of La’Ketta Caldwell, Director of the Opportunity Academy. Through this program, students connect with professionals from a variety of industries on a weekly basis through the Lemons 2 Lemonade Leadership Series where leaders share how they have turned life’s “lemons into lemonade” on their own unique career paths. LUMIN is primarily focused on featuring leaders who are people of color. Right now, the leadership series is happening virtually so students and staff across the network can tune in, but next school year the program will include in-person meetings and workplace tours.

 

As part of this new program, 7th and 8th grade students can apply to become LUMIN Ambassadors, pledging to be a positive influence on their friends, family, school and community. Students who have been selected to participate in this program will gain valuable leadership skills in preparation for high school and beyond. In addition, they will receive incentives like a letter of recommendation, assistance in resume writing, invitations to attend special field trips, and more. At the end of the school year, 8th grade graduates from the program will be awarded a care bag to help set them up for success in high school.

 

By the end of this academic year, 8th graders in this program will launch their own lemonade business where they will focus on product development, marketing and sales. This project will be an educational competition that also raises money for a local non-profit. 7th graders will create business plans and present them as if on the show Shark Tank. The winning team will receive prizes that will further their education.