Issued by: Mary Beth Quirk
414-229-4452
mbq@hotmail.com
Date: June 7, 2002
|
Issued by: Mary Beth Quirk Date: June 7, 2002 |
 |
| Photo by Erin Arthur |
MILWAUKEE - Summer school is usually seen as a punishment for students who underachieved during the year.
However, in the case of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Youth Enterprise Program, headed by Professor Mark Schug, it's exactly the opposite.
The program, which focuses on leadership, economics and personal finance, receives a large number of 9th and 10th grade applicants from Milwaukee Public Schools each year. Based on a recruiting and application process that takes place from December through May, 30 high school students are selected to take part in the 10-day program, which starts June 10.
The goal of the program is "to improve the financial and economic understanding of MPS 9th and 10th graders," says Schug. The first week of class is dedicated to basic business and economics - saving, investing, credit management, and preparing for college - according to Schug.
"The second week is pure economics," he adds, and includes a field trip to the Chicago Board of Trade and the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago. The Chicago trip is the highlight for many students. "The kids really enjoy that," said Schug. The students also follow two to three companies' stock, and write a stock analyst report based on the information.
Besides the obvious reward of a better understanding of the financial world, students who achieve 100 percent attendance and complete all work receive a $500 US Savings Bond. The top 10 students in the class also become eligible to join a Stock Investment Club, which gives teams of five students $10,000 to invest in the stock market. The Wisconsin Council on Economic Education holds gains in trust.
Funding for the program is provided by Strong Funds and the Nicholas Family of Funds. The Helen Bader Foundation, Bradley Foundation, and the Department of Public Instruction provide additional support.
Schug, Lisa Marion, an assistant principal at Phillis Wheatley, School and Tim O'Driscoll, an economics teacher at Arrowhead High School, lead the classes.
The program begins June 10 and continues to June 21. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon.
###