June 16, 2016

For Moore School freshman Kayla Werts, a career in business was never her calling. That is, until she attended the Business at Moore (BAM) program in the summer of 2013. BAM is a one-week summer program held on the USC campus that targets high-achieving high school juniors and rising seniors who are under-represented in the world of business.

Werts and her team were assigned to come up with a full marketing plan for their own product or service. Her team conceptualized “Midnite Bites,” a late-night snack delivery service. At the end of the week, each team presented its marketing plan to a panel of seasoned marketing and business professionals.

Although her group did not end up winning the competition, Werts took home an intangible prize. “I learned a lot about myself and the business world,” says Werts, who is now pursuing marketing at the Moore School. “I learned that business is very methodical and you have to put in effort to adjust to your co-workers’ personalities. Without BAM I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see this side of business.”

“Kayla is a vibrant young woman who was enthusiastic about the BAM experience,” says Cynthia Parker, coordinator of BAM. “She worked hard and was a source of positive energy for her team. Staff and counselors were impressed with her work ethic and her attitude was contagious.”

In that one short week, Werts was transformed into a better student and leader. “Before BAM, I was more of a follower,” says Werts. “While at BAM I learned to be more outspoken if I don’t agree with an idea, as well as learning how to accept tasks as delegated.” During the Business at Moore program, students live in the Honors College dorms and take classes at the Moore School in accounting, marketing, finance and other disciplines. there’s also time for fun and for building relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students. The experience is challenging — and transformative.

Thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo, there is no cost for the students who participate in Business at Moore.

By Jessika Markland