Category Archives: Youth

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Four Christian Learning Center Students Win $1,000 Scholarships Each In Solar Competition

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A Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott was named Grand Champion at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge held Feb. 5 in Topeka. Eleven teams from across the state competed at the event. Pictured from left to right: Science teacher (and Heartland member) Scott Cain, Ethan Hill, Ryan Koch, James Kobernat, and Sam Love. Submitted photo.

Scott Cain is a Science and Math teacher at Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott.

Recently, a team of boys that he taught won the top prize at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, a statewide solar energy competition founded by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Ten80 Education, and Pitsco Education.

Sam Love (16), Ethan Hill (17), James Kobernat (17), and Ryan Koch (18) were the students who were a part of the CLC team, each winning a $1,000 scholarship.

Sam’s parents are Kelly and Jason Love, Fort Scott; Ethan’s parents are Garrett and Kaleigh Hill, Nevada, MO; Jame’s parents are Dan and Amy Kobernat, Fort Scott; and Ryan’s parents are Jason and Holly Koch, Uniontown.

 

From left, Christian Learning Center students Ryan Koch, Sam Love, Ethan Hill, and James Kobernat work on their strategy for optimizing solar production during the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, held Feb. 5 in Topeka. The CLC team was named the Overall Champion at the event.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored the team.

The boys were taught in a curriculum before the competition: how to wire circuits in series and in parallel, how types of circuits affect amps and volts, how to evaluate a site for optimal placement of solar panels, how to use latitude, time of year, and nearby obstacles, such as trees to angle solar panels for maximum output, how to consider the day-time usage of a household to calculate number of panels, where they should be located, and cost of installation.

“The competition involved several categories of scoring, said teacher Scott Cain.  “The highest total point scored was the winner.”

What the students were judged on:

  1. Skills challenges: a problem to solve and calculate.
  2. A slideshow presentation to a panel talking about what they had learned through the process of the semester and the curriculum
  3. Branding and Curb Appeal (how the teams constructed house looked, the matching t-shirts, etc.)
  4. A cooperative challenge solving a problem with other teams
  5. Keeping a logbook of the curriculum
  6.  Given daytime household usage and criteria of a house’s location, etc.,  the team designed a mount of the proper type of solar cells to reach a desired output, while maintaining a given range of volts.
Christian Learning Center.

About the private school, taken from its website:

The Christian Learning Center (CLC) was founded in 2000, by Mr. Harold Kraft. 

MISSION STATEMENT
“To educate and encourage students to live a Christ-centered life; to impart necessary skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing world; and to develop mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical strengths so that each child may live up to his or her God-given talents in the surroundings of a stable, Christian school environment.”

We fulfill this mission by assisting Christian parents in performing their Biblical responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go” and “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4).  All subjects are taught from a Biblical worldview.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Youth Trade Show Is Today at the Fort Scott High School Gym at 11:30 a.m.

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CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT

Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym TODAY,

Tuesday, March 5th, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized

by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!

COME VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

TRADESHOW EXHIBIT ~ CASH PRIZE!

Click here for the FB event.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Area News, Youth

Youth Volunteerism Grants Available

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Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Announces 2024 Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle

 

The Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ (GBL) Foundation has been awarding funds for projects aimed at youth volunteerism as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Grant Program since 2016. Since then, 50 grants totaling $26,000 have been awarded to Southeast Kansas nonprofits for youth volunteerism projects.

 

These projects keep Dylan’s spirit of adventure, fitness, curiosity, generosity, and a daily zest for life experiences alive and thriving. The GBL Foundation is determined to “break down the boundaries that keep people from living life to the fullest, whether those boundaries be social, economic or imaginary.”

 

Last year, the GBL Foundation awarded $4,000 in grant funds to eight nonprofit organizations across Southeast Kansas.

 

“We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the 2024 GBL Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are not just about funding projects; they’re about fostering Dylan’s legacy and empowering youth volunteerism in our communities. Through volunteering, we hope young hearts are ignited to embrace adventure, curiosity, and the joy of giving back.”

 

Don’t forget the 2024 GBL 5K, Friendship Walk & Kid Fest on April 27th at Hutchinson Field.

 

CFSEK is pleased to be the host agency for the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Fund and is proud to assist them in the granting of these awards.

 

For more information on the GBL Foundation, visit SoutheastKansas.org/GBL.

 

If you have an interest in establishing a grantmaking fund, please contact CFSEK at 620-231-8897.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT is March 5

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CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT

Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym

Tuesday, March 5th between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized

by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!

COME VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

TRADESHOW EXHIBIT ~ CASH PRIZE!

Click here for the FB event.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Christian Learning Center Takes Top Prize in Heartland SunPowered Student Challenge

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A Heartland-sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott was named Grand Champion at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge held Feb. 5 in Topeka. Eleven teams from across the state competed at the event. Pictured from left to right: Science teacher (and Heartland member) Scott Cain, Ethan Hill, Ryan Koch, James Kobernat and Sam Love.  
Two high school teams sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative took home honors at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, a statewide solar energy competition founded by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC), Heartland REC, Ten80 Education, and Pitsco Education.
A Heartland-sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott took home the top prize, with each team member winning a $1,000 scholarship. Meanwhile, another Heartland-sponsored team consisting of students in Greenbush’s gifted education program received the “Powerful Presentation” award.
From left, Christian Learning Center students Ryan Koch, Sam Love, Ethan Hill and James Kobernat work on their strategy for optimizing solar production during the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, held Feb. 5 in Topeka. The CLC team was named Overall Champion at the event.
This brand-new competition sought to bring real-world electricity knowledge and industry practices to high school-age students across the state. As solar power becomes more prevalent in the United States, it becomes increasingly important to educate current and future electricity customers about responsible energy consumption, jobs in electricity, and even degrees obtainable in Kansas colleges.
Armed with newfound knowledge and hands-on practice obtained the prior semester, 11 student teams from across Kansas—as far west as Colby and as far east as Fort Scott—joined forces in Topeka on February 5 to perform real-time challenges, present findings, and prove their solar energy knowledge—all before industry professionals.
Event highlights included a speech by Mike Beene, Assistant Secretary of Kansas Department of Commerce and former educator, who spoke to the power of workforce development and Kansas’ desire to invest in its future; scholarships for the winning teams; and the following winners and their sponsors across all categories:
  • Overall Champion – Christian Learning Center (Fort Scott), Heartland REC
  • Creative Curb Appeal – Colby High School (Colby), Midwest Energy
  • Powerful Presentation – Greenbush Service Center (Girard), Heartland REC
  • Commendable Collaboration – Thomas More Prep-Marian (Hays), Midwest Energy; Solomon High School (Solomon), DSO; Boy Scouts of America Troop 222B/1222G (El Dorado), Butler Electric Cooperative
With teams already ramping up for next year’s competition, plus plans to expand the event to additional states, it’s looking like the Sunflower State’s inaugural competition will be the first of many. Team registration will be available in the coming months.
The SunPowered founders would like to thank all the 2024 sponsors: KEPCo, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Evergy, Today’s Power, EDF Renewables, and especially the following Kansas electric co-ops who sponsored individual student teams:
  • 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative
  • Bluestem Electric Cooperative
  • Butler Electric Cooperative
  • DSO Electric Cooperative
  • Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative
  • FreeState Electric Cooperative
  • Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
  • Midwest Energy
  • Pioneer Electric Cooperative
  • Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative
  • Sedgwick County Electric Cooperative
  • Southern Pioneer Electric Cooperative
  • Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative
  • Twin Valley Electric Cooperative
  • Victory Electric Cooperative
Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Blue Collar Awards Event March 9 Will Benefit Local Trades Scholarships

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The 2023 Blue Collar Awards, 2023. Submitted photo.
Advance Bourbon County is sponsoring a Blue Collar Awards event on March 9 at Memorial Hall, located at Third Street and National Avenue.
“The purpose is to raise money for scholarships for local students going to college in the blue-collar trades field,” said Josh Jones one of the organizers of the event. The scholarships will be awarded to Fort Scott and Uniontown students who apply and are eligible
For students wishing to be considered for a scholarship in the trades field see the application below:
According to the scholarship requirements, students must be high school seniors and will attend a college/trade school within 180 miles of Bourbon County. All scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school. Qualified trade programs re: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, welding, fabrication, automotive and diesel mechanics. commercdriver’svers license, auto CAD/drafting, manufacturing technology, machining, masonry, robotics/drones, lineman, railroad training, carpentry, and major appliance technology.
The student must also write a paragraph describing their plans upon completing the program.
The awardee must present proof of enrollment to Josh Jones to claim their scholarship award.
Some of lyear’sears recipients. Submitted photo.
Local tradesmen are on a ballot for a community vote with winners recognized during the March 9 event.
“We are in the voting process now and on March 1st we will tally the votes and give out awards based on each category to local businesses,” Jones said.
The event will also feature a comedian this year, the Copenhagen Bandit.
The Copenhagen Bandit from his Facebook page.

To view a prior feature on Advance Bourbon County’s beginnings:

Advance Bourbon County: New Non-Profit

Government, Youth

Senator Marshall Offers Assistance for Students Struggling with FAFSA Application Failures

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Washington, D.C. – The Biden Administration’s attempt to update the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has put millions of students’ financial futures in limbo. The failed rollout of the new FAFSA program and the mismanagement by the U.S. Department of Education has led to a nationwide delay on the 2023-2024 FAFSA applications.

 

Students seeking federal financial aid for higher education courses must complete the FAFSA paperwork to be eligible for the assistance. Unfortunately, the continued hiccups with the Education Departments FAFSA program has created widespread uncertainty for students, parents, and colleges going into the next school year.

 

“Repeated delays by the Department of Education in rolling out the new FAFSA application have left millions of students and schools in limbo for the upcoming school year,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “Right now, colleges continue to lack the essential data required to formulate financial aid offers, leading to significant uncertainty for students’ futures. The mismanagement within the Department of Education disproportionately affects first-generation and low-income college students, who are most reliant on assistance to pursue higher education. As a community college graduate myself, I understand the stress these students face from this mismanagement.”

 

To help students and families navigate this period of uncertainty, Senator Marshall has published a new FAFSA resource guide. The guide includes links and contact information for his office for further assistance.

 

FAFSA Resources for Students and Parents

 

Parents and prospective college students continue to struggle with completing the new FAFSA forms. Below are resources and best practices for the most common concerns and complaints.

 

If you have tried the resources below and cannot resolve your issue, please contact our office at (785) 829-9000 for additional assistance.

 

Filling out the FAFSA

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out

 

FAFSA Deadlines

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines

 

Renewing your FAFSA

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew

 

Correcting a current FAFSA Form

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct

 

IRS Data Retrieval Tool

https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt

 

Completing the FAFSA without a contributor SSN

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number

 

Understanding the Types of Student Aid

https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles

 

Overview of the Student Aid Report

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report

 

Background:

  • Senator Marshall recently met with college presidents in the Kansas City and Wichita areas to discuss ongoing concerns with the new FAFSA form and how the Administration’s delays are impacting the college’s ability to help potential students.
  • Earlier this month, the Senator joined Republican colleagues in a press conference highlighting the U.S. Department of Education’s mismanagement of the new online FAFSA form.
  • Senator Marshall co-sponsored the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would reinstate an exemption on the FAFSA form for family farms and small businesses, allowing them not to count assets towards financial aid. The Education Department removed the exemption in the most recent FAFSA. Assets will be counted on FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 school year if left unchanged.
  • In January, the Senator joined 28 colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Education (DOE) demanding answers and solutions to ongoing issues with the FAFSA form.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College, Youth

FSCC Spring College Rodeo is March 8-10

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To see how cowboys and cowgirls compete and hone their skills, the community is invited to Fort Scott Community College from March 8 to 10 to see, among other events,  calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding in the rodeo arena.

The 45th FSCC Spring College Rodeo is this Friday through Sunday.

There are currently about 40 students on FSCC Coach Chad Cross’s rodeo team.

The FSCC Rodeo Team from its’ Facebook page.

“Our rodeo team is a group of student-athletes who came here to earn scholarships to rodeo just like a baseball or basketball player would,” Cross said. “They travel to 10 rodeos a year to hopefully earn enough points to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in June each year. They spend a lot of their own hard-earned money traveling to rodeos, paying fees, and taking care of their own horses to compete at these rodeos.”

“Our rodeo will showcase student-athletes from over 20 schools in our Region (Kansas and Oklahoma) in events like Calf Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding to name just a few,” Cross said.

The students don’t necessarily come from rural America, but the majority do, Cross said, but they learn skills that will help in life.

“The skills we hope to instill in them include responsibility, hard work, determination, and the ability to be humble, and we hope to mold respectful young adults who can become outstanding members in this community or wherever they choose to land in the future,” Cross said.

The events are Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. then Saturday, March 9 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., and the ‘short-go’ at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and children under 5 years old are free.

Tickets are only sold at the door, according to the Facebook page.

At a recent rodeo competition, Bryce Eck was the  Bareback Riding Champion according to the FSCC Rodeo Team Facebook page.
and Blake Steuck was the Saddle Bronk Riding Champion.
Quintonn Lunsford, Dylan George and Jence Griffith all finished in the top five.
From the Fort Scott Community College Facebook page, Nov. 2023.
Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Uniontown Teacher Arrested for Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct Towards a Student

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On Friday, February 23, the USD 235 School District Administration was made aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a Uniontown Junior High staff member towards one of the school’s students outside of the school environment.

“We take these allegations very seriously as student safety and care are always our first priority,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We began an investigation immediately and have worked with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office to gain clarity. The teacher in question, Mrs. Breanne Taylor, was arrested on Sunday, February 25 and has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.”

“Please rest assured that when students return to school from the weekend, we will continue to support them and prioritize their safety,” Eden said. “We recognize that this situation will create a complex set of emotions for students and staff. We have organized additional mental health support to ensure care is accessible for those who may need it.”

“Personnel and student information is protected by law,” Eden said. “That said, we want you to feel informed and we will pass along the information that can be shared as the situation evolves.”

“Nothing matters more to our district than creating a safe and caring learning experience for every student, every day,” he said. “If you ever suspect inappropriate behavior, we ask that you bring it to our attention.”

 

K-State Extension, Youth

Kansas Made Workshops for Youth

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

A series of workshops will be held for youth over the week of spring break by the Southwind Extension District at no-charge! These workshops will be for all youth who are 7-18 years of age.

 

Families can expect youth to participate in hands-on learning about many products that come from the great State of Kansas. Each product will be explored through a variety of formats like photography, entomology, food & nutrition, health & wellness and visual arts to name a few. Not to mention some great guest speakers.

 

Workshops will be held from 1pm to 5pm at a variety of locations. Dates and locations are:

  • March 11 – Yates Center – Community Building
  • March 12 – Fort Scott – Buck Run Community Center Gym
  • March 14 – Erie – Neosho Valley Event Center
  • March 15 – Iola – Southwind Extension Office

 

Registration is required and can be completed online at: https://forms.gle/mR87DUAJeRtTXNqz9 or by calling your local Southwind District Extension Office. Visit our website at southwind.ksu.edu for a list of phone numbers.

 

For more information about the workshops or how to become involved in the Southwind District 4-H Program, please reach out to Jennifer Terrell at [email protected] or 620-223-3720.

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Splashpad Bash: May 18 at the New Downtown Pavilion

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The Hello Summer Luau is May 18 at the new pavilion on North National Avenue. Submitted graphic.

The City of Fort is sponsoring a community event at the new Fort Scott Pavilion on North National Avenue, next to the new splash pad, on Saturday, May 18.

“The purpose of the event is to promote drug and alcohol (prevention) awareness while kicking off the summer for the grand opening of the Pavilion and the Splash Pad- which will be open the day of the event,” said Mary Wyatt, Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director  for the City of Fort Scott.

“The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring the event and is using the Drug and Alcohol Tax Fund which goes to spread awareness to the youth (and adults) to pay for the expenses, plus there are local businesses handing out free stuff and selling their items at the event,” said City Manager Brad Matkin.

“We are in the beginning stages of the project, and currently putting together a committee for the event,” Wyatt said. “After the committee’s first meeting, we will have more details and specifics confirmed that we can share, and will start reaching out to vendors (mostly, if not all, local) to determine their availability. It is the City of Fort Scott’s goal to help provide a safe and fun family-friendly event to start off the summer together as a community.”
There will be live music, vendors, and free activities for the kids Matkin said.

“The vendors will be starting at 3 pm with the bands starting at 6:30 pm,” said Matkin.

 

The northern end of the Gathering Place is seen from National Avenue and Stanton Street. The splash pad is behind the pavilion to the left in this photo.

“The plan is to have the splash pad open,” for this bash, Bailey Lyons, one of the committee members of the splash pad said.

The Gathering Place is the venue of the new pavilion and splash pad on North National Avenue at Old Fort Boulevard. Here are the rules for the splash pad.

“The Hello Summer bash will feature Beach Boys tunes under the pavilion from the live tribute band, Surfin’ USA,” Matkin said.

“Surfin’ USA features seven musicians from the Kansas City area. Their collective dedication to quality musicianship and soaring harmonies will be on full display as they are committed to accurately recreating the music of The Beach Boys,” according to https://www.surfinusashow.com/

Before Sufin’ USA, Vinyl Revival will be playing at 6:30 p.m. at the pavilion.

“Comprised of six professional musicians near the Kansas City area, members of Vinyl Revival have opened for artists such as: Little River Band, Doobie Brothers, Eddie Money, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Badfinger, The Guess Who, Joe Bonamassa, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Edgar Winter, Pure Prairie League, The Romantics, and Peter Frampton,” according to   https://vinylrevivalkc.com/

 

To view prior articles on the two new additions to downtown Fort Scott:

A new Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

Construction of the Downtown Splash Pad Is Moving Forward

 

Looking northeast from National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard.  The splash pad is in back of the pavilion.
Jobs, K-State Extension, Youth

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District – Family and Consumer Science Agent

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

School breaks are the perfect times for pre-teens and teenagers to earn some extra money by getting a job and with schools out for spring break and summer vacation, there will be an influx of parents seeking childcare. These two factors provide youth with a wonderful job opportunity – babysitting!

Youth work experiences provide many benefits. Personal growth that results from early work experiences help youth build their soft skills, which are character traits and interpersonal skills needed for all jobs throughout life. It also helps build their resume and leads to higher-paying future jobs.

Babysitting can be a fun way for young adults to earn money fast! Here are some other benefits:

  • Enhancing communication skills – By working for parents, sitters learn communication skills that will carry over to all other lines of work in the future. Caregivers must build strong relationships with families to show they are reliable and can be trusted to take care of young children. Working with young children also requires leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving skills that many places of employment look for in candidates.
  • Gaining valuable work experience – Experience in childcare can be beneficial for both the sitter’s personal and professional life. If they are considering pursuing a career involving young children, this provides them with first-hand experience of what that might look like on a day-to-day basis. It is also great for personal development as it prepares them for future parenting and caregiving roles. If they have a younger sibling at home that they watch on occasion, it also makes them more aware of how to care for and interact with them to create positive experiences.
  • Earning potential and flexibility – Babysitting jobs offer a source of income that is wonderful for students who want a job but might not be able to take on a 40-hour work week. Sitters have the control to make their work schedule and take on as many or as few jobs as they wish to, depending on their capabilities, prior obligations, and drive to work.
  • Building a sense of responsibility and empathy – Taking care of someone else’s child requires both of these skills. Sitters must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child(ren) in their care while also considering the child(ren)’s wants and needs. This balancing act helps build character and develops essential life skills for the provider.

To empower young entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to become a babysitter, the Southwind Extension District is hosting clinics for youth ages 12-18. Topics of focus will include leadership skills, job readiness, child safety, and cooking skills and nutrition. There will also be hands-on CPR and First Aid training. For more information on dates, location, and times, visit our website at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/ or contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or call 620-625-8620.