Twenty-One Springfield Students Complete WNEC’s Summer 2009 Learning Experience

August 21, 2009

[Springfield, MA] Faculty and staff at Western New England College’s School of Business had the idea to provide a summer learning experience for 11^th and 12^th grade high school students involved in the Summer Work and Learn Program. Junior Achievement provided the materials and development assistance to make the program happen. As part of their work experience the students participated in a variety of learning experiences including personal and professional skills development workshops and tours of some of the largest businesses in Greater Springfield including MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Health, and Hasbro. The students also spent a day volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

The full-day program took place Monday through Thursday from July 6^th through August 6^th on the campus of Western New England College. The program was funded through the generosity of the Western New England College School of Business and the dedicated staff faculty, and alumni who donated their time and talent to make this project possible. The 21 Summer Work and Learn students who participated in the Summer Learning Experience worked with college-age students.

The goal of the program was to explore career opportunities in business, develop interpersonal skills and work readiness skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making. The WNEC faculty, staff and students served as role models. The business tours and presentations reinforced the business and “soft skills” presented during the various learning activities.

On July 30^th the students visited Hasbro for a tour of the manufacturing facility given by Gary Brennan and presentations from several members of the Hasbro management team including Henry Payne, Director of Human Resources; George Burtch, Vice President of International Marketing; Deb Collins, Product Design Manager; and Russell Davies, Director and a member of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors.

Jennifer Connolly, President of Junior Achievement, worked with Mr. Davies, Ms. Patty Cavers, and Dr. Hess to arrange the Hasbro tour. “I think the Summer Learning Project created by WNEC is fantastic. The opportunity for high school students to work with WNEC faculty, staff, students, and alumni on campus is tremendous. The college and business community embraced this learning experience and Junior Achievement was proud to help add to the program.”