School of Business and Junior Achievement of Chicago Host Workshop
Kendall College School of Business and Junior Achievement of Chicago Host Economic Workshop for Local High School Students
More Than 100 High School Students Participate In One-Day Workshop
CHICAGO—May 10, 2012—The Kendall College School of Business hosted more than 100 Chicagoland high school students for “JA Exploring Economics,” a one-day workshop presented in partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago and part of “JA in a Day.” The workshop, taught by Kendall College students and academic leaders, focused on U.S. economic systems and how they impact the market economy, including supply and demand and saving and investing. High school students represented four Chicagoland schools, including Manley Career Academy High School, Crane High School, Hancock High School and The Cove School.
“Junior Achievement of Chicago is an amazing organization that prepares students for college by offering them opportunities to experience the college and campus environment firsthand,” said Michelle Coussens, dean of the Kendall College School of Business. “Just as Kendall is preparing students for high-demand careers, JA Chicago helps prepare high school students for college degree programs and courses. It was rewarding for everyone here at Kendall to host a JA in a Day workshop focused on basic economic concepts and how our economy works so the students can apply this to their future college and career endeavors.”
The day-long event featured a key note opening from Kendall College leaders followed by interactive sessions facilitated by Kendall College students enrolled in the global economy course taught by course instructor John Frech, who also planned the JA in a Day at Kendall. Through the four interactive sessions, students learned practical application of economic concepts, focusing on fundamental skills needed for success in any career.
“JA Chicago is always looking to partner with organizations and schools that will teach our participants valuable skills and offer a glimpse of college life,” said Valerie Garcia, Director of Operations at Junior Achievement of Chicago. “Kendall College and its students created an interactive workshop that was both fun and educational for the students, and we hope to partner with Kendall again in the future to continue bringing Chicagoland high school students quality workshop experiences.”
JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world – enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. The collaboration between the School of Business and JA Chicago demonstrates how Kendall College partners with community organizations to ensure that students are better prepared for their future. This is the second time Kendall College has paired with JA Chicago to offer a “JA in a Day” program.
About the Kendall College School of Business:
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2200 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. The School of Business emphasizes the critical skills and professional edge needed to excel in today’s global workforce, resulting in graduates who are professional, confident and prepared for a variety of service-oriented career fields. The innovative, yet practical, curriculum utilizes tools such as situation-based challenges, living case studies, management simulations and integrative projects. It focuses not only on business functions, but also on the softer skills essential for long term career advancement and provides opportunities for students to develop meaningful connections with the business community. Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
About Junior Achievement (JA):
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches four million students per year in more than 120 markets across the United States, with an additional six million students served by operations in 119 other countries worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information. Junior Achievement of Chicago, chartered in 1940 and celebrating over 70 years of serving Chicago youth, is the largest JA office in the world and will reach 430,000 young people in 12 Chicago-area counties during the 2011-2012 school year. For additional information, visit www.jachicago.org.
Media Contacts:
Amber Cerda, 312-752-2472, amber.cerda@kendall.edu
