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The collaboration of RMI students and Junior Achievement has proved to be a win-win combination. Founded in 1919, JA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the value of free enterprise, business and economics among students in elementary school all the way through high school. The curriculum integrates practical knowledge with hands-on activities to provide students with a working knowledge of the principles of commerce.
Essentially, students gain a solid foundation to help them understand the economic and workforce issues they will encounter later in life. Seeing that JA's success is largely dependent on the generosity of volunteers, it seemed quite fitting to team up with RMI to recruit student educators.
Debbie Gale, vice president of education for JA of Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay, has played an active role in coordinating volunteer work for RMI students. Attesting to the worth of student volunteers, Gale stated, "The value of having SCU students involved as volunteers in JA's elementary school program is really two-fold. It allows SCU students, especially those in the Business School, an opportunity to teach what they are studying, so it really becomes a great Service Learning opportunity. In addition, the impact of having a college student teach children in elementary school is invaluable."
According to Gale, "Many of the younger children have never met a college student and could be the first in their families to go on to college if inspired to do so. The SCU students are truly role models for staying in school, setting goals, and striving to achieve them."
It is anticipated that around 30 SCU students will participate in the program this year. Hopefully, RMI will continue to draw students, fostering the growth of JA and ultimately, encouraging economic and business-related education among young people.
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