MADISION COUNTY BUSINESS & EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

From its humble beginnings in 2005, the Madison County Business and Education Partnership (MCBEP) has grown excessively through hard work, a desire to help, and a call of duty. It is with this charge that the program leaders take these young adults who have been dealt a difficult hand and turn them around using a positive program and encouraging mentors to renew their excitement for life. Raymond Ross, MCBEP Director and the driving force behind the program fervently states, "We believe that the services our program provides will supply each student with the key ingredients they need to be convinced that a good education is necessary, and that they should improve not only themselves, but also their citizenship. I believe that MCBEP will play a definitive role in their lives, and it is that alone that inspires us to soar to greater heights each and every day."

MCBEP is comprised of leaders from local businesses and industry, as well as public, private, and higher education focusing on developing, improving, and maintaining business and education partnerships in Madison County. Funded by a grant from the Blue Grass Area Development District and under the leadership of Youth Director Raymond Ross and Executive Assistant Kati Lippman, the MCBEP program strives to reach underprivileged youth ages 16-18 in the Madison County community and work exclusively with them to prepare them for the workforce. MCBEP begins this process by assisting its participants, most of them school drop-outs with limited resources, to get their GED. In the process of achieving this, MCBEP offers each participant opportunities to take part in classes, tutoring, and workshops focused on interviewing skills and how to dress for success. It is our hope that before they exit the program, each student is taught the skills he or she needs to effectively market themselves for a workplace environment. It is through these processes that MCBEP works to support its mission: To keep our best and brightest youth in Madison County, encourage those who leave to return by showcasing opportunities available here, and to develop the best workforce possible by developing programs for students and adults.

In keeping with its mission, the MCBEP committee also provides many programs including: Two Career Day events (one for high school students and another for middle school students), collaboration with EKU to target inclusion of Madison County businesses in their career events, summer camps for educators focusing on math and science, and a Youth Leadership Program for 30-35 gifted students.