Spero, a W. Frank Barton School of Business startup aimed at unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens, hosted an event on Friday, October 25, 2024 to celebrate the launch of its micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness. The event brought together the inaugural class of Spero students, their families, Spero board members, employers, mentors and other supporters to commemorate the launch. Marquis Bradley, founder of Omnicut Fitness, delivered a rousing keynote speech that set the stage for a promising start. The keynote energized attendees and set an optimistic tone for Spero’s future impact.

“To have a celebration of Spero students with their families in attendance was special,” said Walter Berry, Executive Chairman, Berry Companies, board chair of Spero and a member of the Barton School’s Dean’s Advisory Board. “It really set the stage for the program and built excitement for the opportunities ahead.”

Spero, derived from the Latin word for "hope", is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve lasting independence by equipping them with essential skills and providing access to meaningful employment opportunities. 

More than 110 individuals applied for the program, and nearly 45 were selected for Spero’s first class. Accepted students will participate in one of two micro-credential programs offered by Spero. The Entrepreneurship Track provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to launch their own businesses or grow their existing enterprises, while the Career Readiness Track develops competencies sought by employers in the Wichita region. Participants will receive micro-credentials and Wichita State University credit hours upon completion of either program. Throughout the programs, they will have opportunities to meet with Spero industry partners who are committed to hiring eligible candidates.

“I learned entrepreneurship from my father at a young age,” said Dr. William Polite, director of Equity, Diversity, and Accountability for Wichita Public Schools. “Having that knowledge and skill set was a huge step for me personally. It’s why Spero is so important: to give opportunities to people who don’t normally have them and to give them the chance to become the best version of themselves.

• Bank of America
• Berry Companies

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

• Building Controls and Services, Inc.
• Cargill
• Cocoa Dolce
• Cox Communications
• Emprise Bank
• Equity Bank
• Evergy
• Fidelity Bank
• Great Plains Ventures
• Hall's Culligan
• Hutton
• INTRUST Bank
• Koch, Inc.
• Max Aerostructures
• Meritrust Credit Union
• PrairieFire Coffee Roasters
• Star Lumber
• Textron Aviation Inc.
• weavix, Inc.

“The Spero Advisory Board is made up of community champions,” said Gene Camarena, President and CEO, La Raza Pizza, Spero board member, and member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. “We are driven by a passion for our city. We must continue to serve all Wichitans and provide them with all tools they need.”

"The launch of Spero is a milestone in our quest to unlock human potential in Wichita, and the success of the micro-credential program speaks for itself. We are proud to see our vision come to life, thanks to the support of our community partners, mentors, and advocates," said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School of Business and Executive Director of Spero.

The first year of this initiative is supported by a generous $400,000 contribution from the Charles Koch Foundation. The Barton School is currently in the process of raising $1 million for continuation and expansion of the program for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information, please contact Jessie Rainey, associate vice president of development at WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at jessie.rainey@wichita.edu or 316-978-3948.

To learn more about the Spero, visit wichita.edu/spero.