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(Bluefield)—This partnership could cultivate some life-changing opportunities for the region’s high school students. An innovative collaborative effort involving the Wade Center and the Bluefield State College School of Business will help students develop practical, business-oriented skills that can provide the foundation for a lifetime of success. Utilizing a $30,000 grant award from the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS), the BSC School of Business and the Wade Center will launch the twice weekly (Tuesdays & Thursdays) program on September 4, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Wade Center. “The program is offered free of charge to any area high school students, and we’ll provide a free meal at the conclusion of each session, at 6 p.m., at the Center,” noted Vicki Mahood, Wade Center Program and Finance Director.
“The module offered at the Wade Center, ‘Building Foundations,’ introduces students to the worlds of business, product development, and manufacturing, while building a foundation of skills that are important for academic and workplace success, focusing upon ‘21 st Century Work Skills’” explained Susan Mann, visiting Marketing Instructor at BSC and author of the Ford PAS application for which the College received the grant award. “Students will gain an understanding of what it takes for a product to make its way from concept to consumer.” BSC senior marketing student Alethia Gore will teach the module the Center.
The module provides the basis upon which students can proceed to subsequent curriculum modules. This semester, BSC has also implemented the “Exploring Business” course through three focused modules at the collegiate level. “Through the Ford PAS grant, we are now able to offer one module at the high school level, with a goal of adding additional modules in the future,” Mann continued. “The course is dynamic and experiential.” The Ford PAS program was created in partnership with the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities to prepare high school students for college and careers.
“The fit between the Wade Center and Bluefield State College is wonderful,” Mahood added. “Many of our students don’t initially see themselves as college material. This program permits them to gain confidence and acquire knowledge that can help them succeed in college and in the business world. Along the way, we believe our students will see that they have what it takes to earn a college degree.” Students can also qualify to win prizes and scholarships from Ford.
Area schools and/or programs interested in receiving more information regarding the Ford PAS program are encouraged to contact Susan Mann (304-327-4082) and more information concerning the “From Concept to Consumer” module offered at the Wade Center can be obtained by contacting Vicki Mahood (304-323-3777).
August 27, 2007
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