This summer I have the pleasure of working with the amazing team at the South Central Idaho Small Business Development Center! Under the excellent leadership of Director Bryan Matsuoka, I am analyzing business performance data, return on investment from consulting services, employee churn rate, and employee pipeline for specific industries. I am working on several projects that are designed to assist the SBDC in showing the impact their services have on businesses in the region. I am also working on a project designed to identify better pathways to connect K-12 graduates with specific industry needs and employment opportunities in STEM-related small businesses. I am enjoying learning from a team that has helped create small business success in this region of Idaho. It has been very interesting to learn about the needs of Idaho small businesses. I think the biggest impact on my career knowledge, and on my students, is in understanding the opportunities available to students. This externship will help me better prepare graduates to finish technical certificates, post-secondary degrees, and apprenticeship programs in areas of high need. It will also help me build relationships with industry partners that might be great connections for students.

Grade Level and Subject Taught: K-12 Superintendent and School Counselor