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Hello from the Strategic Communications interns at The DeBruce Foundation! July 31 is National Intern Day, and we’re taking time to reflect on what this internship has taught us so far. Our advice to other students?
“Ask as many questions as possible and get to know everyone! The information you learn by doing this is invaluable.” —Avery
“Take as many opportunities as possible to grow your learning and network! I have learned so much in a short time by going out and looking for opportunities to learn in real-world experiences.” —Kiana
Here’s what has helped us feel supported in our roles:
“Companies can make sure that training includes hands-on learning. I have learned the most by watching and doing! It also helps to feel like I can ask any questions I need answered!” —Avery
“Notice the value in fresh eyes and ideas! Interns are full of ideas and new ways of how goals may be achieved. Also, let them know how important their learning experience is!” —Kiana
Internships offer the chance to explore new opportunities, build Network Strength, and make a meaningful impact—and we’re grateful for the chance to do all of that here at The DeBruce Foundation!
Agilities© Kids: Operating Objects
In this month’s Agilities character highlight, meet one of our Agilities characters — Operating Objects! This skill is for people who like working with machines, fixing things, or building. You can use it when helping to assemble a bookshelf or troubleshooting a computer issue. If you love using tools, working on projects, or handling machines, this might be one of your top Agilities! How can you practice Operating Objects?
Watch the video for an overview of Operating Objects, how this Agility can help at school, home, or a future job, and how to practice using this Agility.
Feature in Washington Monthly
A new article in Washington Monthly explores how schools, communities, and employers can collaborate to support students’ long-term career success.
The article, titled “Giving Students Career Tools to be Economic Decathletes”, focuses on how Career Literacy tools, such as The Foundation’s Agile Work Profiler© and Graduation Toolkit, can help students gain a competitive edge in today’s job market.
“To future-proof the class of 2025, we all need to empower a resilient generation of economic decathletes and heptathletes, prepared to adapt their skills to win in a rapidly changing economy.” Read more from Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation here.
Bethany Orban Chew in People on the Move
Get to know Bethany Orban Chew, Senior Director of Partnership Experience at The DeBruce Foundation, in the Kansas City Business Journal’s People on the Move!
Bethany brings deep expertise in cross-sector collaboration, strategic partnership development, and scaling national revenue streams.
Her leadership continues to strengthen The Foundation’s mission to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity through innovative, high-impact partnerships. We are looking forward to seeing her work continue to make a difference in our community.
Read more from The Kansas City Business Journal.
Empowering Careers with our new podcast!
Empowering Careers is a new podcast from The DeBruce Foundation focused on emerging trends, practical tools, and real-world stories designed to expand career pathways for all.
In our first episode, Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight sits down with Jonathan Javier, CEO of Wonsulting, to share experiences and strategies for navigating the landscape of today’s job market, hiring trends, and how Career Literacy makes a difference.
Whether you’re just starting out or making a career pivot, you’ll gain valuable insights from their conversation. More insights will come in Episode 2—launching August 4!
Listen or watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and DeBruce.org.
Join the next generation of leaders
The DeBruce Career Corps is a hands-on leadership program for high school students, college students, and young professionals who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and beyond. Through this experience, participants grow as leaders while contributing to a mission-driven organization committed to Expanding Career Pathways.
Career Corps members help shape innovative programs that increase economic opportunity. Along the way, they gain valuable professional skills, build their networks, and drive impact at both regional and national levels.
This is a unique opportunity for young leaders while contributing to The DeBruce Foundation’s mission of expanding career pathways. Learn how to get involved here.
Why you need the Agilities in your classroom
This month’s blog comes from Jessica Asbury, Elementary Coordinator of Real World Learning at Piper School District.
She shares how her district uses the Agilities Framework to strengthen classroom confidence and support meaningful career exploration.
“Agilities don’t just help students understand themselves-they’re grounded in workforce research. The same traits we’re helping students name and explore are the ones employers are looking for,” said Jessica Asbury.
Jessica shares practical tips on how to implement the Agilities into your classroom and the difference it makes in students’ lives.
Read the blog here.
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools and join us in expanding career opportunities!
Virtual Agilities Tours:
August 5, August 19
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
August 6, September 10, October 8
In-Person Agilities Coach Training
September 25-26 (Kansas City, MO)
October 23-24 (Kansas City, MO)
View all upcoming opportunities.
Bonus! In August, join us at The Rome Group’s 2025 Philanthropic Landscape for Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight’s Keynote.
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