After a successful inaugural year, Wichita State University’s Spero program is entering its second year. Spero—Latin for “hope”—helps individuals achieve lasting independence through skill-building and access to meaningful employment. Participants complete employer- and market-oriented training that leads to micro-credentials, making Spero the first micro-credential program in WSU’s history and the first 1EdTech TrustEd Micro-credential program in the world.
In its first year, 82 percent of participants graduated across both tracks. Within the Career Readiness cohort, 20 students completed the program, and 15 secured employment. In the Entrepreneurship track, 18 students graduated, with 7 advancing to the Venture Advancement Program (VAP)—a follow-on initiative designed to grow participants’ ventures through consulting, mentorship, and hands-on operational support with a commitment to strengthen operational profit (EBITDA).
Building on these outcomes, interest in Spero has continued to rise. To meet the expanded demand, the program now operates three sections, including a new morning track for Career Readiness.
The new class was officially welcomed on August 29, 2025, during a kickoff event in Woolsey Hall that brought together students, faculty, business leaders, and community members.
The kickoff event featured perspectives from university, city, and employer leaders. Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business, addressed the incoming students by emphasizing the link between effort and opportunity: “Spero shows what is possible when training connects directly to real opportunities. We are asking participants to put in the effort, and we are working alongside them to open doors to meaningful work and independence.”
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu spoke about Spero’s broader impact on the city: “When a person secures steady work or grows a small business, it strengthens a family and adds stability to our community. Spero is creating those opportunities here in Wichita, and that is a benefit we all share.”
Reflecting on the program’s momentum, Dr. Alexander Ziegler, Spero’s Director of Student Experience and Employer Relations, highlighted the role of alumni and partners: “We now see alumni encouraging friends and family to apply. That kind of word of mouth tells us the program is meeting real needs. Employers and nonprofit partners have also been critical in reaching participants and supporting their success.”
From the employer side, Cara Chennault-Reid, Vice President of Human Resources at Koch, Inc., spoke directly to the students about what Spero means for the workforce: “Programs like Spero prepare people to succeed and grow within the workforce. That creates value for participants, for employers, and for Wichita’s future.”
Community members also emphasized the program’s impact. Walter Berry, Spero board chair, said: “Spero gives people a path to work and stability that they can build on.” Tiffany Conner, a Year 1 alum, encouraged the new class: “The program gave me confidence and direction. My advice is simple: trust the process and use the support you’re given.”
Spero’s continued growth is made possible by contributions from the Charles Koch Foundation and other corporate and private donors whose support expands access to training, micro-credentials, and employment opportunities for participants.
Individuals and organizations interested in partnering with Spero—whether as an employer, guest speaker, or donor—can contact the program at spero@wichita.edu.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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