Kaimore's Summer Internship Empowers Youth Through Entrepreneurship at Farmers' Market

Kaimore's Summer Internship Empowers Youth Through Entrepreneurship

This past summer, Kaimore launched an exciting initiative aimed at empowering young individuals through a hands-on internship program. Targeting youth between the ages of 16 and 29, this program allowed participants to operate a real shaved ice booth at the lively Monterey Park Farmers' Market. The internship is a key component of Kaimore's ever-evolving Market Ready Program, designed to offer invaluable real-world experience in entrepreneurship, customer service, financial management, and overall workforce readiness.

Kaimore's mission to disrupt the cycle of generational poverty drives this initiative. By equipping underserved youth with essential skills and confidence, the organization aims to usher in a new wave of self-sufficient individuals who can thrive in both the job market and business landscape. Through this unique opportunity, interns were not only responsible for running a booth but also engaged in vital business practices including customer service, inventory management, and daily sales operations—all fundamental aspects of running a successful venture.

The internship represents the second phase of the Market Ready Program, which comprehensively addresses career exploration, skill development, and the nurturing of soft skills. Beyond the hands-on experience at the farmers' market, the full program features several enriching components, including Financial Literacy masterclasses, a Business 101 course, a dynamic Pitch Day Competition, and an upcoming Side Hustle Accelerator. This initiative, partially funded by the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Hilton Foundation, emphasizes accessible opportunities that enable youth to explore diverse career paths, hone their skills, and conceptualize business ideas that promote sustainable financial independence.

Ariana Garcia, a team member at Kaimore, highlighted the significance of the program, stating, "I think this program is important because it can help youth transition from a school setting to adulthood. Market Ready encompasses everything, whether youths want to pursue college or delve into the job market. The career development course offers guidance, while the business blueprint aids those looking to start their own side hustles."

After completing the internship, participants reported unparalleled growth in their self-confidence, particularly in their communication and leadership skills. Many expressed that this experience marked their first engagement in managing a business-like operation from start to finish, encompassing cash flow management, material preparation, customer attraction, and high-quality service delivery. Joyce Lam, Executive Director at Kaimore, articulated the goal of this component of their career development program: "Our farmers' market track is designed to help youth build confidence and discover their unique identities. We create a safe space for them to explore their strengths and address areas for improvement. They gain essential skills in customer service, organization, and more, which they can carry forward in life."

Esther Ho, the Program Coordinator, reinforced the ethical foundation of Kaimore's work by stating, "Programs like ours exist because everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their starting point. We focus on meeting individuals where they are and walking alongside them, guiding them to uncover their potential with the right information, resources, and a supportive environment. When we invest in individuals, we are ultimately enriching the entire community."

The success of this summer's internship cohort resonates with the growing demand for experiential learning opportunities across Los Angeles. With hopes of expanding the internship program next year by offering more spots and forming partnerships with additional farmers' markets, Kaimore aims to strengthen its entrepreneurship mentorship efforts. This is a vital step for youth looking to transform their side-hustle ideas into sustainable income streams. Kaimore's initiative not only empowers young individuals with practical skills but also nurtures a generation of entrepreneurs equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As Kaimore continues to pioneer accessible programs for youth, the future looks bright for those eager to step into the world of entrepreneurship and career development.