ProX interns hold life-sized checks at the ProX showcase event.

After receiving cash prizes for their presentations, Nyla Taylor, intern with KC City Managers, celebrates with Vivian Chira, intern with the Nia project, at the ProX Summer Showcase July 11 in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center.

Momentum for paid summer internships in Kansas City continues with ProX

The ProX program brings students and employers together with client-connected projects and support for paid professional experience.

Written by Julie Scheidegger

July 24, 2024

Now in its third year, ProX just wrapped another summer of paid internships for Kansas City high school students. More than 100 employers – nearly a third who are entrepreneurs – partnered with ProX to match 665 students, aged 14 to 19, with client-connected projects for a five-week paid professional experience.

This regional collaborative, one of the largest paid internship programs in the country, closed out its summer with its annual showcase awarding cash prizes to top presenters. Students can choose to do an exhibit-style presentation for judging or participate in a pitch-style competition.

Kauffman President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace was invited to the stage during the showcase July 11 in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center, and said: “If you can see what I see standing up here… the power that is in this room, the power that our young people have unleashed to think, to dream, to innovate, to solution for our community – they did this in five weeks, so imagine what is in front of them.”

The power that is in this room, the power that our young people have unleashed to think, to dream, to innovate, to solution for our community – they did this in five weeks, so imagine what is in front of them.
— Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace
President and CEO, Kauffman Foundation

Dr. Burns-Wallace also recognized the coaches, employers, parents, families, friends, and the ProX team for the support that encouraged students to successfully participate in and complete the program. This year, ProX had a “coach team” of 54 members to support and guide students. ProX provides professional coaching, resume workshops, and professional development as well as transportation via Z-Trip and professional clothing to students who need it.

“This is an important moment,” Dr. Burns-Wallace said. “And to each and every ProX intern: we are proud of you, and we see you.”

The winners of this year’s showcase

For the live pitch:

First Place: Diversity Telehealth

Students: Hrithik Ranganathan, Joshua Collins, Jose Banales Flores, Jack Gelhaus

High schools represented: Olathe North High School, Bishop Miege High School

Coached by: Minnie Adams

Second Place: RSM Global

Students: Othniel Agbavor, Varun Rastogi, Kalei’ya Chisholm, Kaleece Chisholm

High schools represented: Frontier School of Excellence, Blue Valley High, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, St. Pius X High School, Liberty North High School

Coached by: Angelique Chiney

Third Place: Saint Luke’s South

Students: Zander Gluckman, Mia Myers Ray

High schools represented: Olathe North High School

Coached by: Dynasty Avila

Live pitch, student vote winner: KC Common Good

Students: Osanna Bolton, Rachel Malsawmhlui, Abria Armstrong, Mark Shears, Harper Beitling, Ben Blunt

High schools represented: Blue Springs South High School, Piper High School, Shawnee Mission South High School, Raymore-Peculiar Senior High School, Crossroads Preparatory Academy, William Chrisman High School

Coached by: Dionte “Tay” Neal

For the exhibition presentations:

First Place: City Council

Student: Nyla Taylor

High schools represented: Ruskin High School

Coached by: Bevin Schmer

Second Place: City Manager’s Office

Students: Natalie Martinez and Alyssa Henson

High schools represented: Grandview High School, Piper High School

Coached by: Bevin Schmer

Third Place: The Nia Project

Students: Anija Dean, Rhian Stevenson, Angela J, Vivian C