INROADS College Links has found a new path to assist college students in the St. Louis region, many of whom are minorities.
During a kickoff event Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Harris-Stowe State University, Andrea Johnson-Lee, INROADS national director, said the program is active in 17 cities in the US.
“I am truly elated that the 18th city is my hometown, St. Louis,” said Johnson-Lee.
The nonprofit organization creates programs for high school students interested in STEM, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students learn soft skills such as goal-setting and planning skills, and will also have an opportunity to advance in their career of choice while fostering diverse and inclusive workspaces.
Students must be in grades 9 through 12 with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. They can apply online at the INROADS website, have two letters of recommendation, and commit to the monthly sessions. The non-profit mission is to deliver innovative leadership development programs and creative solutions that identify, accelerate , and elevate underrepresented talent throughout their careers.
INROADS was a part of the St. Louis community during the 80s, according to Johnson-Lee, with a thriving high school and college program.
However, during the 90s its national director stated that there was less corporate interest in younger talent which dictated the decision to phase out or reimagine the program.
“Now we have seen a resurgence in the need and support of programs that expose students as early as possible to various careers,” said Johnson-Lee.
“Today we are relaunching the St. Louis College Links program and we plan to be back even stronger.”
According to its website, INROADS “envisions a world where leaders enrich the composition and culture of business and social communities through diversity and inclusion.
Bev Porter, chief program officer for the St. Louis location, said “I get to work for an organization that gets to make a generational difference.”
“This is not a job, this is a mission.”
INROADS St. Louis alum Tina Grimes, CEO of TINA Enterprises, was a participant in the INROADS program 38 years ago while attending Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School.
“Without hesitation, I decided to apply for INROADS,” said Grimes.
She attributes her experience with INROADS to her success as an entrepreneur, public speaker, and as overall successful adult. She says the weekly meetings helped prepare her for corporate and community leadership.
“We are the individuals that can help nudge our students to show up for the opportunity to be a part of INROADS,” said Grimes.
“If you were an INROADS intern, that meant something back then, and we want to make sure that we are instilling that same thing in high school students.”
Frank C. Carr, INROADS founder, often said he was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark “I Have a Dream” speech.
He left an executive-level corporate position and became committed to increasing the number of ethnically diverse employees in corporate management in the U.S.. It created additional pathways for candidates to gain entry into the business world.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for The St. Louis American.
