Twelve Durham College students and two of their professors are stepping outside the box - and the college.
On November 24, a dozen third-year Operations Management students and two Durham professors will work in pairs to visit 200 Grade 8 students in four area schools. They will present the Economics of Staying in School (ESIS), a program created by Junior Achievement (JA).
The overall aim of ESIS is to help young people understand the direct impact education has on their career success and desired lifestyles. After playing a board game designed to help them determine how likely they are to stay in school, the students will have a chance to discuss their goals, put a price tag on each one, and learn how to budget. Students also learn about various careers as well as colleges, universities and the costs of post-secondary education.
"Durham College students are living examples of ESIS principles. Their participation will go a long way in helping reach our young people with the ESIS message," says Donna Raetsen Kemp, director of Junior Achievement of Durham Region. Junior Achievement is an international, non-profit organization which helps young people value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Durham professor Dave Fletcher is equally enthusiastic. "We're absolutely thrilled to be working with Junior Achievement on this very important project. At 27 per cent, Canada has one of the highest high school drop out rates of any developed country. By reaching kids early, we hope to help them realize the importance of education to their long-term success." Fletcher, fellow Durham professor Jacki Shemko and the 12 Operations Management students have been working with Junior Achievement of Durham Region over the past few months to prepare for the day-long program.
"Studies show that employment and income rise proportionally with education level," notes Fletcher. "Durham College and University Centre is the only Ontario institution where students can earn a college diploma, university degree or both."
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