Hershel V. Jenkins High School is host to a new career development program for high school students, the nation’s only Toastmasters Explorer Post for Youth Leadership and Business Communications.  During the current school year, all ten youth members are working to complete the eight workshop sessions included in Toastmasters International’s Youth Leadership Program.  

Toastmasters Explorer Post Advisor, Vicki Minor, explained, “By combining the proven youth leadership curriculum of Toastmasters International and the career mentoring model of the Exploring program, these students are actively practicing their presentation skills and professional etiquette.” Lead Teacher for the program, Natatia VanEllison and Ms. Minor are both active in the Local Toastmasters International Club. Mrs. VanEllison said, “Toastmasters has helped me hone my own presentation and communication skills, and I wanted to offer that same opportunity to students here at Jenkins High School. It is exciting to see the growth of these students as they prepare themselves for successful futures, no matter where their career aspirations will lead them.”

South University has partnered with H. V. Jenkins High School on this exciting new program, by providing mentors, hosting some of the meetings and supplying each Explorer with a curriculum guidebook. South University’s Dr. Michelle ‘Molly’ Keating shared, “As South University’s Director of Career Services, I observe on a daily basis how a person’s ability to speak concisely and confidently is evaluated in job interviews, and then over and over again every day on the job. The Toastmasters Explorer Post is of enormous benefit to high school students by increasing their self-esteem and confidence, helping them overcome presentation anxiety and other personal challenges. I am very excited to be part of a program that is directly impacting the future success of these high school students.”