The Kearney Enrichment Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run out of the Old Firehouse. Our mission is to, “Improve the quality of life in Kearney Missouri''. They create and host over thirteen events including: Wine and Chocolate, Farmer’s Market, Firehouse Bash, Movies in the Park, Second Saturdays, Oktoberfest, etc. Without the KEC Kearney wouldn’t have many events to bring its community together. As their current intern, I can offer you a look into what it’s like to work here so you can learn more about the KEC and hopefully apply when the position opens next.
I want to start by saying that the KEC offers something that many businesses (who employ high schoolers) can’t…practical job experience. As an intern at the KEC, there are many jobs that you could hold based on your interests. Currently, I work with the Executive Director, Kurt Hamilton, to do all kinds of things. I’ve created Instagram posts for upcoming events, made flyers in Canva, helped with the ERAP financial assistance team, worked events, moved furniture/supplies, set up tables for the senior center, brainstormed ideas for events, etc. Plus, Kurt will push you out of your comfort zone and get you to try new things while teaching you along the way. There is never a dull moment at the KEC between the variety of jobs to do and the jokes and banter between you and your coworkers. This is very important because as a high school student going to work right after school can be very daunting and stressful. Also, the KEC will work with you if you need to miss a day or two to study for a test, participate in your sport’s practice/game, or if you are feeling sick.
No matter what skills/talents you have, or what you want to do for a career, I'm sure the KEC has something to prepare you for the next steps in your life. If you're looking for teaching experience you could work with kids at Spark Studios which is their after-school youth program. If you're an artsy person you could design flyers/posts or work with their graphic designer to get some experience. If you're interested in finance and want to help the people in Clay County work with the ERAP team. They distribute funds to tenants struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. And even if you don’t know what you want to do yet, you can try a little bit of it all and see which one you like the best.
The bottom line is that the Kearney Enrichment Council takes this internship very seriously. You will go through an interview and if they think you have what it takes they will hire you. The KEC only has one intern at a time for a reason. They can’t afford to waste time pouring into people that aren’t willing to go the extra mile. If you are willing to work hard and try new things you will get far more out of this internship than a normal job. The responsibility, communication skills, leadership skills, and integrity that you will develop at the KEC are something that you won’t receive from other jobs. This is a great opportunity to help your community, earn a little extra money, and develop yourself as a person and a future employee. If you are interested in applying for this internship email the Kearney Enrichment Council’s executive director at: kurt@kearneyenrichment.org.
