Hambrick Earns Certification and Confidence with Help from HireSmart Cares

Written by Joy Galon

Two hundred forty-five dollars was the difference between getting certified and staying on the sidelines for Robert Hambrick.  The Madison County High School senior wanted to follow his dad into forklift work, but the cost of training stood in the way, then HireSmart Cares covered the $245 fee for a one-day certification...

‘Shark Tank 101’ — Students Learn How to Pitch Their Businesses

Written by Joy Galon

Madico Flex Participants Prepare for Competition with Local Entrepreneurs  Picture yourself walking into a room with twenty-five other entrepreneurs, all competing for the same $10,000 prize. You have ten minutes to convince a panel of judges that your business deserves their investment over everyone else’s. Your heart is racing. What do you say? ...

The Choices that Get You Hired: HireSmart Founders Talk Jobs with Commerce Students

Written by Joy Galon

Anne Lackey failed the typing test at the bank. She needed to type 25 words per minute but couldn't. Her guidance counselor had told her not to take typing in high school because she was on the college track and would have a secretary.  (For the record: Anne has never...

Polished and Prepared: Empower Students Learn Professional Dining Skills

Written by Joy Galon

Students sat around properly set tables at Empower College and Career Center, each with a glazed donut on their plate. But this wasn't a typical snack break. With forks and knives in hand, the students were about to spend the next few minutes learning something many had never done before:...

Blue Jackets, Big Dreams: One Senior’s Life-Changing Trip to Indianapolis

Written by Joy Galon

Tilly Anderson had never been to Indianapolis before. She'd never experienced anything quite like walking into the FFA National Convention and seeing thousands of blue FFA jackets filling the massive space.  "It was like this overwhelming feeling of brotherhood and love," said the Madison County High School senior. "I always...

Taking Flight: HireSmart Grant Helps Cedar Shoals JROTC Students Build Discipline and Drone Skills

Written by Joy Galon

Cedar Shoals High School JROTC instructors see the success stories.   There’s Zachary Van Hessen, who entered high school out of shape, but joined the Raider team and transformed himself into a fit athlete, earning a full scholarship to West Point. There’s Logan Rounsaville who worked full-time while attending school, living...