Mon, June 23, 2008

Program readies Native American youth to become successful entrepreneurs

By Joe Dee Black - Tribune Business Editor - June 19, 2008

Matt Walker, 12, would like to own a business one day. He hasn't pinned down what type, but after this week Matt, who will enter eighth grade at East Middle School next fall, will be better equipped to pursue future entrepreneurial efforts.

A participant in the inaugural First People's Youth Entrepreneurship Camp at the University of Great Falls, Matt met role models, including Native American business owners and accomplished athletes. He even had the chance to meet the governor. Matt also secured a four-year tuition scholarship to UGF if he decides to pursue a college education there after high school.

The camp is the result of a combined effort by Rural Dynamics, the Montana Indian Business Alliance and Montana State University-Billings. The cost is underwritten with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Montana State Tribal Economic Development Council, with UGF providing on-campus housing, facilities and meals.

"The goal is to build entrepreneurship in Montana's Native American communities," said Adam Gill, the program director for Rural Dynamics. "We are targeting this age group, 13- and 14-year-olds, because they have a good sense of the world now and they can take the leadership lessons they are learning here with them into high school."

Please read more about these young entrepreneurs at the Great Falls Tribune online by clicking on the link below.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806190318