With support from the Kansas City National Security Campus, MINDDRIVE launched a three-week professional development pilot to intentionally integrate career readiness into STEMM programming.
For many students, the series marked their first exposure to formal professional development. Across three sessions, students-built resumes, explored scholarship opportunities and practiced interview skills, receiving real-time feedback from KCNSC professionals who volunteered their time and expertise.
Keshia Washington DeBose, a KCNSC Learning Business Partner, mentored students on how to clearly communicate their experiences and aspirations. For DeBose, the experience reinforced the importance of representation, encouragement and creating spaces where students feel supported.
“Witnessing students’ growth as they articulate their skills and aspirations — and seeing their confidence build — is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It reinforces how critical mentorship is in helping students navigate their future career paths.”
That growth was especially evident for one student, Lena. On the first day, she declined to speak during group activities and mock networking conversations. Over the course of the series, with encouragement from KCNSC volunteers and MINDDRIVE staff, Lena began to engage. By the final session, she delivered a confident and thoughtful mock interview that illustrated the power of consistent mentorship.
“You could feel the shift,” said Amanda Hill, KCNSC Community Relations Specialist. “By the final session, she was communicating her story with pride. That kind of transformation is what our volunteers help make possible.”
For MINDDRIVE, the pilot reinforced its mission to connect hands-on learning with real-world application. By partnering with KCNSC, students gained not only skills, but relationships that helped them see themselves as confident professionals in the making.
“When industry, education and student learning come together, that’s where real impact happens,” said Oz Qureshi, MINDDRIVE chief program officer.
