UM-Dearborn business students get a different view of the classroom

Students from UM-Dearborn's College of Business recently got a different view of the classroom when they visited Dearborn's Advanced Technology Academy (ATA) to teach students in grades 3-6 about finance. ATA is a Michigan public charter school academy that offers Pre K-12 students high-quality interdisciplinary learning experiences.

The 26 UM-Dearborn students, all members of Beta Alpha Psi the accounting and finance honor society, utilized the age appropriate Junior Achievement financial literacy curriculum to teach the youth about the importance of financial management.

Camilla Lewis, senior program manager, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, was on-hand throughout the day to observe the students in the classrooms and provide assistance when needed. "Junior Achievement has a long-standing relationship with UM-Dearborn, we work with a number of student groups and find the support that they provide us invaluable. We rely on volunteers to help us reach more than 38,000 students annually in metro Detroit with our lessons about the importance of financial health."

UM-Dearborn student mentors worked in pairs with assistance from ATA instructors to show the ATA students how managing money will help them succeed as adults.

"ATA is committed to addressing education with a real-world project-based approach," said Barry Hawthorne, executive director, ATA. "The Junior Achievement program taught by UM-Dearborn students reinforces critical thinking, problem solving and communications, which are all drivers to success, while providing students with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to succeed in the workforce."

This isn't the first time that the UM-Dearborn chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has been working in the community. Throughout the year the students work with other community service organizations including Stanford House, Meals on Wheels and Manna Soup Kitchen. "Service learning projects like this provide UM-Dearborn students with the opportunity to interact with youth while getting instant feedback with programs designed to be fun for all involved," said Susan Baker, advisor, Beta Alpha Psi and lecturer, College of Business.