Trades for L.I.F.E. empowers youth with skills for success

Now in its second year, youth program teaches skills for the classroom, beyond

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

At the heart of West Memphis, a transformative program is shaping the futures of young people one skill at a time. Trades for L.I.F.E., a 12-week initiative spearheaded by Faith International Ministries through the Life Empowerment Center, is equipping students aged 11 to 17 from schools across Marion and West Memphis with vital life and employment skills. Housed in the former Wonder Junior High, now the Faith International City Church Campus at 1405 E. Madison, Trades for L.I.F.E. (Linking Industry Fundamentals to Employment) is more than just an educational program – it’s a movement. The program has seen overwhelming interest, with 75 students registered and at least 45 on a waiting list, showcasing its growing impact as it enters its second year of operation.

Pastor Anthony King, the visionary behind the program, has nurtured its core principles for years. “With the acquisition of the junior high school, we’ve been able to expand beyond our dreams,” Pastor King shared. “This isn’t just about teaching trades; it’s about building character, fostering academic growth, and preparing young people to succeed in life through focusing on four core principles.”

1. Academic Improvement: Enhancing school attendance, behavior, and academic performance.

2. Judicial System Prevention: Reducing teen involvement with the legal system – students must maintain good conduct while enrolled.

3. Trade and Soft Skills Development: From beekeeping to culinary arts, students learn practical skills alongside communication and leadership development.

4. Mentorship and Character Building: Providing positive role models and guidance to support personal growth.

The program offers 12 skills in 12 weeks, exposing students to diverse _elds like basic HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, CNA training, culinary arts, welding, real estate, business management, technology, hospitality, and even beekeeping. Classes are taught by local instructors, ensuring students receive hands-on, community-based mentorship.

Students attend free tutoring and STEM education on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., with trade courses every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. And yes – Chick-_l-A generously provides meals, making sure no student learns on an empty stomach.

One of the biggest hooks? A $500 stipend for every student who completes the program. But it’s more than just money; it’s about commitment and growth. “The stipend is an incentive, but what they walk away with is far more valuable – con_dence, knowledge, and the realization that they can achieve anything,” said Pastor King.

The program’s success is fueled by strong partnerships. The West Memphis School District plays a vital role, along with new collaborations with the juvenile court system and WMPD, offering Trades for L.I.F.E. as a proactive option for atrisk youth – though it’s not court-mandated.

Bosch recently joined as a major sponsor, funding 30 students and providing tools and demonstrations. The King Foundation continues to provide core funding through grants, marking the _rst time Bosch has contributed – a promising sign of growing support.

The current session will conclude on Good Friday with a special steak luncheon celebrating the students’ achievements. Community leaders, city of_cials, school board members, and business leaders will gather to witness the progress _rsthand, as students showcase their improved grades and newfound skills.

With plans for another session in late spring or early summer, Trades for L.I.F.E. shows no signs of slowing down. “We’re just getting started,” Pastor King said. “Our goal is to create a ripple effect – changing lives, one skill at a time.”

For more information or to get involved, contact the Life Empowerment Center at (870) 635-6256.

No one learns on an empty stomach! Organizers and students alike were overjoyed at Chik-Fil-A’s generous donation.

Photos Submitted

The program also partners with the WMPD to help keep teens off the streets.

Learning financial literacy through playing Monopoly is just one of the varied teaching methods used to maintain the attention of students.

Attendees learn life skills such as leadership, working in a group and conflict resolution.

Many are able to receive one-on-one attention not available to them in schools.

Mentoring is just one of the many benefits of the trades for L.I.F.E. program.