Getting a firsthand look at business

A Spanish teacher might try using abstract generalities to impress upon her students the importance of learning a second language.

But after touring various Wisconsin factories featuring bilingual employees, she'll have a more concrete example for students. That real-world experience is at the core of programs designed to familiarize educators and students with the business world.

The Business World Educator Program, taking place at Carroll College in Waukesha July 21-23, is a collaboration between teachers, business leaders and the WMC Foundation.

Jim Morgan, vice president for marketing and membership for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, said the program tries to meet a need educators feel is sometimes overlooked. Despite the academic training they may receive, Morgan said educators don't always get the chance to see how that academia translates in the real world.

Connecting link

The educator program hopes to be that link, giving teachers, guidance counselors and administrators the opportunity to connect what is taught in the classroom with what is needed in the work force.

"A lot of teachers are just looking at ways to make their subject more relevant," Morgan said.

The program features small group learning, large group presentations, online project postings, tours of Wisconsin companies and the development of curriculum, some of which will be posted online for teachers across the state.

As offered at Carroll College, the program is a three-credit course which Morgan called one of the "most enjoyable and productive" class offerings most educators will probably take. As many as 200 educators have participated in previous WMC educator programs.

Gregory A. Kuhlemeyer, Carroll College associate professor and dean of the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies, said the campus is pleased to work with WMC to help provide Wisconsin teachers an opportunity for a hands-on learning experience within the business community.

Kuhlemeyer stressed the importance of making sure this knowledge moves from the educators to their students.

Using the experience

"A key outcome, from our perspective, is that the (educators) take their knowledge and integrate it into the curriculums that they teach in a manner that meets the needs of the school district, the curriculum they teach and their students," he said.

"It is exciting that the teachers are interested in adding these elements into their curriculum. The business community is excited about opening their doors for the teachers to see where and what opportunities exist for the next generation and that Carroll can help facilitate an experience that allows students to gain graduate-level knowledge and application," he said.

The program wouldn't be possible without the cooperation of businesses and business leaders who take part in sessions on campus and at their sites, Morgan said. Their reasons for participating are varied.

"Some of them are big picture -- it's the right thing to do," he said. Others have a little more selfish reason, saying they can't find a skilled work force and they hope by reaching out to educators and students that they can help build one.

Course for students

In addition to the educators workshop, WMC will offer a Business World Student Program June 22-25 at St. Norbert College in De Pere and July 20-23 at Carroll College.

Previous student programs have welcomed as many as 400 participants. Since the program started in 1982, it has given more than 13,000 students the chance to test their knowledge of business and economics, said Business World program director Steve Benzschawel. It also provides the opportunity to experience life on a college campus before graduating high school.

The program brings high school students and business volunteers together to learn about the free enterprise system.

Student participants are placed on teams of 12-15 to form imaginary companies.

Under the guidance of an adult "company adviser," student companies elect a board of directors to include a CEO, and VPs of finance, marketing, production and information technology.

Company simulation

Through regular meetings and workshops, companies create a product from "junk" donated by adult volunteers and program sponsors, Benzschawel said.

The company then works on a business plan to determine the pricing, production and marketing strategy the company will follow in a computer simulation competition. The simulation allows the companies to compete against each another for eight quarters of market activity, after which the results are analyzed by the students and presented at a commencement ceremony.

In between company meetings, students hear from speakers such as college professors and notable business professionals. Local companies also invite students and advisers to visit their facilities and get a first-hand look at daily business operations and employer expectations, Benzschawel said. Several "non-business" activities such as sports, movies and barbecues are also part of the program.

Challenging experience

"All in all, Business World is a unique, challenging experience for all high school students who have an interest in furthering their knowledge and understanding of business and economics," Benzschawel said. "An investment in Business World is an investment not only in our children's future, but in our economy and its future vitality."

M&I Bank has been a sponsor of Business World since 2003 and assistant vice president Muriel Howells said the company's involvement has been more than worthwhile.

"Our support goes right to the heart of our mission statement which, in part, is to give back to the communities we serve," she said. "One of our main areas of focus is education and the Business World program offers us the opportunity to assist young students/adults with the transition into the business world. We believe the earlier they are educated in the areas of financial literacy, the better informed they will be as customers/consumers, and better-prepared employees out in the work force."

M&I Bank has taken part in the Business World programs as a donor, through bankers who have served as company advisers for students and as guest speakers. Howells said there is no downside for a business that takes part in the event: "This program is a win for everyone involved."

Morgan said he believes it's crucial that students are exposed to the realities of business both through a program such as this and through better educated teachers. "Somebody needs to tell them the truth," he said.

Morgan feels strongly that students need to consider their options in education, business and life and that programs such as this help them do so.

For more information, visit www.wmc.org or call the Business World office at (888) 276-7953.

Lisa Maddux is a freelance writer.