Leading the Way

We’re looking closely at programs that reach students in high school. Wolverine Enterprises connects 90% of its juniors and seniors to local employment opportunities through paying jobs.

Michael Solliday is a 19-year-old college sophomore, but his résumé already boasts a job title more experienced workers would covet: CEO.

He earned that celebrated post thanks to Wolverine Enterprises LLC, a school-based enterprise at White River Valley High School in Switz City, Indiana. White River Valley’s recently retired superintendent, Bob Hacker, Ed.D., spearheaded the program when he learned that approximately two-thirds of the high school’s graduating seniors entered college, but only 28 percent made it into their second year. Many of the rest drifted back to Greene County with few prospects for the future.

Extensive surveys of students, parents, educators and business leaders spotlighted the vital factors missing from their education. “The feedback talked about how they needed more hands-on training, skills acquisition and business experience,” Hacker said. Those competencies became cornerstones of the Wolverine Enterprises program.

Approximately 90 percent of the school’s juniors and seniors participate in the project, which maintains six different private enterprises that students, who are paid for their work, oversee. Those businesses earned $62,000 during the 2023-24 school year. Students can earn certifications, too.

As CEO of Wolverine’s logistics team, Solliday developed leadership and communication skills that he uses today. He’s pursuing a degree in computer science, a minor in computer information systems and a certificate in cybersecurity at the University of Southern Indiana, and he works as an IT intern at Greene County General Hospital.

“I hope every school in Indiana develops some form of this platform because it’s really beneficial for students,” Solliday said. “Wolverine gives students experience in different fields and helps them decide what they’d like to pursue professionally. For instance, I realized I’m less interested in running an entire business and more interested in IT.”

He’s also realized that Indiana is full of businesses in need of his services and opportunities to accomplish his professional goals. “I love Indiana,” Solliday said. “There’s no reason to go to any other state.”