WYMIS FAQ
What is WYMIS?
WYMIS, short for What You Missed In School, is a practical “thirteenth grade” workforce readiness and life skills program. It teaches graduating seniors and young adults the everyday skills school often leaves out: managing money, holding a job, communicating professionally, and navigating adult life with confidence.
Who is WYMIS for?
WYMIS is designed for ages 16 to 26. That includes graduating high school seniors preparing for a first job, first apartment, or college; young adults entering the workforce; and schools, community organizations, and workforce programs looking for a ready-to-use, real-world curriculum.
How long is the WYMIS program?
The full WYMIS program runs 8 to 12 weeks as a cohort, with students moving through the modules together as a group.
What does the WYMIS curriculum cover?
Seven modules: Financial Literacy, Business Administration (business fundamentals), Soft Skills, Etiquette, Networking Principles, AI and Technology, and Branding and Marketing. Each one covers a skill area students consistently report feeling underprepared for after high school.
What delivery formats are available?
WYMIS can be delivered three ways: a One-Day Intensive (a full day, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), a 3-Day Applied Unit (hands-on and project-based), or the full 8 to 12 Week Cohort with all seven modules. Any single module can also run as a 75-minute session.
What is the WYMIS One-Day Intensive?
A condensed, single-day version of the program that runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It covers six 75-minute module sessions (Soft Skills, Networking Principles, Financial Literacy, Business Administration, Etiquette, and Branding and Marketing with AI and Technology) for a group of 20 to 30 young adults.
What does a host site need for a One-Day Intensive?
One room that seats 20 to 30 people, a screen or projector (WYMIS can bring one), reliable Wi-Fi, tables that can be arranged for breakouts, restrooms and a lunch space, access from about 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and parking.
Do students earn a credential?
Yes. WYMIS issues a verifiable digital credential built on Open Badges 3.0, the open standard for portable, verifiable learning credentials.
How does WYMIS relate to what schools already teach?
WYMIS complements the academic foundation schools build. It is not trying to recreate school; it fills in the real-world skills a standard curriculum does not have room for, bridging education and execution.
Is WYMIS available outside the pilot cities?
Yes. WYMIS was piloted in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Memphis and is available nationwide.
Can schools use individual modules instead of the full program?
Yes. Modules can be delivered individually or combined into a full 8 to 12 week cohort experience.
Where has WYMIS been piloted?
WYMIS has been piloted in Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Memphis, Tennessee, working directly with students to refine the curriculum from real classroom experience and feedback.
Is WYMIS a nonprofit program?
Yes. WYMIS operates under the umbrella of Love Nation Ministries, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Schools, community partners, and funders can work with WYMIS through Love Nation Ministries.
Who created WYMIS?
WYMIS was founded by Dr. Barry K. Jackson, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Alliance Bible College and Seminary. His career spans community outreach, nonprofits, and higher education, including roles as President of the Memphis Youth Coalition and Director of Programs with the Memphis Urban League.
Why is it called the thirteenth grade?
Because it picks up where twelfth grade ends. WYMIS covers the practical lessons students need right after graduation, the ones a diploma does not include.
Can my school or organization bring WYMIS to our community?
Yes. Schools, community organizations, and workforce programs can partner with WYMIS today. The long-term plan is a licensed, repeatable model that organizations can run in their own communities.
Still have questions?
Reach out and we will walk you through the program, the modules, and the formats.