Our Programs
Marks and Associates has developed an innovative approach to supporting the supplier and workforce diversity initiatives of major corporations. We can assist client's in establishing a diversity program or support existing programs with additional resources.
I AM NEXT
If you plan to be an entrepreneur, you will be an entrepreneur. You'll start early exploring all of the ways you can enter the world of entrepreneurship. Perhaps you want to study the industries identified in this region by major corporations where the need for diverse suppliers remains unmet. You might want to better understand the pre-qualifiers corporate buyers have for specific products and services to help you form a strategy for becoming one of their viable suppliers.
Whether your vision is to start a business or acquire an existing business this year or over the next ten years, you can be NEXT. As a subscriber to the Next Entrepreneurial Consortium, you will have access to information provided by corporate buyers seeking diverse suppliers to meet their unmet needs. Your team of business development consultants and industry contributors will do the research you don't have time to do, assisting you as you build your own entrepreneurial preparation plan.
(Coming Soon - a quick tour of the type of information available to subscribers!)Minority Youth Entrepreneurship
The Minority Youth Entrepreneurship Program was created in 1987 to acquaint talented Black high school students with the field of entrepreneurship in the hope to inspire them to consider it as a viable career alternative. Through a six-week, intense summer program taught in a college setting, students participate in academic sessions, personal development workshops, and attend entrepreneurial field trips to meet and study local entrepreneurs and learn from their success. Sessions are held Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30p.m. Students receive a stipend for their participation.
Since its inception, MYEP has exposed over 650 Black high school students to entrepreneurship. Virtually all of its graduates have attended and graduated from college. Several have already pursued careers as entrepreneurs, many have pursued careers in business, and all have gained a greater appreciation of the necessity to foster ownership in the black communities.
To apply for the summer institute to be held June 28-August 7, 2009, complete the following steps.
Step 1 Complete the online application which includes a 200-word essay describing your entrepreneurial characteristics. If you currently have a youth business or have examples of how you have earned your own money, include this information in your essay.
Step 2 Ask your guidance counsellor to send your official transcript to MYEP, ATTN: Kathleen Hall, Program Director, 5 Greendale Dr, St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Step 3 Participate in an interview to be scheduled upon receipt of your completed application.
All applicants will be notified in April. Class size is limited to 25 participants so apply early and make sure you complete all steps to be considered.
Click here to begin online application. Be sure to pre-write your 200-word essay prior to beginning to enable you to complete the process.