ProX Made: Ricky Barnes

Written by Izabella Martin, Raymore-Peculiar Student
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.

ProX is a summer internship program that pulls together Kansas City area businesses and students to give high school students real-world learning experiences.

The summer internship program gives students a chance to be matched with a company that focuses on work they’re interested in.

ProX intern Ricky Barnes discusses the benefits of being in the ProX summer program.

“I was told by a staff member at my school that ProX was starting, and I wanted to give it a shot and see what it was all about. It also seemed like it would give me a productive summer which is what I was searching for,” said Barnes.

Many students like Barnes search all summer for internships and jobs; ProX provides that for students in a way that helps them get that hands-on experience that many students long for.

ProX also provides a safe environment for students to have new experiences and successes while in a structured space.

“I believe that I got a lot of business experience out of ProX. It has definitely taught me ways to market for businesses, and I also had an amazing family experience with my employer, Startland,” said Barnes.

Startland is a non-profit, community-building organization that hosted summer internships that focused on social change. “Focus on how the experiences you endeavor could set you up for success in the future and remember that you are there representing yourself. Make yourself heard at Monday meetings the ProX Staff loves those who are brave.”

Focus on how the experiences you endeavor could set you up for success in the future and remember that you are there representing yourself. Make yourself heard at Monday meetings the ProX Staff loves those who are brave.

Ricky Barnes, University Academy Student