The Tory Oak Project took Wilkes Early College High School students on field trips throughout Wilkes County. Students learned about the county’s career and leisure opportunities through this exploration. Sixty 10th-grade students participated in this program and visited 21 businesses during their field trips.
Additionally, students created business plans & pitched sixteen Wilkes-based business ideas ranging from an escape room concept immersed in Wilkes County history themes, a vendor craft mall on U.S. 421, Wilkes County van tours, a food truck selling seasonal beverages, and a bowling alley near W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.
Wilkes Economic Development Corporation provided a sponsorship of $1K and spoke with the students while serving as judges alongside Mick Zulpo, owner of The Block and other local businesses; Linda Cheek, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce president; Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College; and Doren Tripp, community manager of the Masthead.
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved or supporting next year’s Tory Oak Project, please contact Olivia Walsh. See her contact information below. Also, learn more about the program by visiting the Wilkes Journal Patriot’s article.
Wilkes Early College High School
walsho@wilkes.k12.nc.us
(336) 838-6247