Michael McMillan Invites U.S. Bank Executive as a Guest Speaker for - Aspiring Intern & Academic Achievement Development Series-

           U.S. Bank’sNational Director of Diversity, Amber Simpson, took out time from her demanding schedule to make an investment into the future by speaking to high school summer interns in the Office of the License Collector. Ms. Simpson shared informative insights about performance and character attributes that are important in securing a job and developing a career. Ms. Simpson shared details on an U.S. Bank initiative entitled: “Fly High. Leader Development Program.”  The interns in attendance said that they learned a great deal about what others are looking for when you apply for a job.

           The St. Louis Area Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) assigns students throughout the city at different work sites with paid internships so that they can experience out of class room experiences to further develop their skills. The Office of the License Collector was selected as one of the best work sites for SLATE’s interns this summer. Recently, they were featured in an article written by MERS/Goodwill. Art Holliday of KSDK also interviewed the students for a feature on Channel 5. The volunteer coordinator for internships is Mr. Darius Chapman who is also the Manager of Field Operations and Manufacturing in McMillan’s Office.

           McMillan’s commitment to educational initiatives on all levels for all ages has been a long standing one since he was in high school at BishopDuBourgHigh School. In all cases he stresses outstanding academic achievement, exceptional attendance and positive attitudes and behavior. From Elementary School through High School, academic achievers are recognized five times a year at six different St. Louis Public Schools. College students attending one of five institutions of higher education have the opportunity to receive a McMillan Endowed Scholarship, an internship and ongoing mentoring. Numerous internships have resulted in full time positions in his office in addition to local and national companies.

           On all levels volunteering and giving back to the community is emphasized. McMillan is also Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of the St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation (STLCEF). Students have an opportunity to participate in STLCEF community activities on a routine basis such as the Academic Achievement Programs held in the schools and bigger events such as the upcoming Back to School and Community Empowerment Festival. The event attracts over 13,000 people at Chaifetz Arena. The Festival will also include a Licensing and Business Resource Fair co-sponsored by the Office of the License Collector and the Collector of Revenue. The interns will have a first hand opportunity to see how their work in the office impacts businesses in the community.

           “It is our responsibility as professionals and public servants to leave no stone unturned to expose our youth to as much as we can to motivate them to think about how what they learn and do  today can impact their future. Through our series we hope to expose and prepare them by inviting people who have achieved in different industries to share their stories and give practical advise and motivation,” says McMillan.