IDAHO FALLS – A group of high school students are working with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for an upcoming trip to Florida to learn directly from leaders at NASA and Disney World about careers in that industry.
Whitney Bates, commercial director for the Chamber, tells EastIdahoNews.com the students hosted a dance at the Holiday Inn inside Jackson Hole Junction on Saturday and raised several hundred dollars. It’s likely the first of many fundraising projects.
The students are part of the Chamber’s Emerging Leaders program, which it launched at the beginning of the school year to “nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas.”
“It’s a two-year program for high schools in the greater Idaho Falls area. It teaches them how to be leaders in the community,” Bates says. “They go and tour local businesses, learn from different leaders. It teaches them all the things they can’t learn in school.”
Multiple businesses partner with the Chamber to make these experiences happen and it’s proven to be mutually beneficial. The program empowers students with the knowledge and skills to succeed both personally and professionally. They run their own fundraising initiatives, allowing them to practice real-world leadership and organizational skills.
In return, Bates says participating businesses enhance their reputation as a forward-thinking organization committed to community development and longterm success.
“This investment in talent development ensures a strong and thriving business environment for years to come, while
also teaching the importance of civic duty and responsibility,” Bates says in a news release.
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Students are planning a trip to Washington, D.C. next year to meet with politicians and members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
A total of about 28 students from Rigby, Idaho Falls and Skyline are currently enrolled and the Chamber is looking to recruit more.
The Chamber also wants more community involvement. It’s launching a nonprofit foundation this year and the Emerging Leaders Program is just one of several initiatives that will fall under that organization. Some of those programs include a veterans program, a women’s program, a leadership program for adults and a Hispanic Council.
The community is invited to attend a fundraising gala on Friday to learn more. It’s happening at The DEC in downtown Idaho Falls. It will feature live music and an Irish dance group, along with a silent auction and live dessert auctions.
Tickets are required to attend and donations for the auctions are appreciated.
“We are calling on the community to come together and help us raise the necessary funds to continue shaping the future leaders of Idaho Falls,” Bates says in a news release.
The event will go from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 for a table of eight. To buy tickets or learn more, click here. You can also call the Chamber at (208) 523-1010 or email commercial@idahofallschamber.com.
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