InformHouston.com

38 students enrolled in the Houston Community College Spring Branch business administration program volunteered to teach Junior Achievement curriculum in Spring Branch Independent School District classrooms this past spring. In addition to the award-winning Junior Achievement curriculum, students applied the skills learned from their HCC classes to the elementary and middle school classes they volunteered with in SBISD.

Pallavi Singh, an HCC business administration student pursuing an associate's degree in human resources, gave of her time and talent to work with a second grade class at Ridgecrest Elementary School. During her first visit to the class, she spoke to students about the different professions that are found in any community or town. She also gave each student the opportunity to share what job they would like to have one day. Some of their responses included doctor, teacher, karate instructor, veterinarian and police officer.

After students relayed their career intentions, Singh spoke to them about the interrelated nature of business. The second graders took turns placing stickers on a map of a town to show how each of their eventual roles will have a place in the community.

When Singh concluded her first visit with the students, several exclaimed "I like this class!" Singh was also appreciative of the experience, which she found to be relevant to her HCC classes.

"Junior Achievement helps students understand business and the complexities of people. The curriculum touches upon leadership, interpersonal skills and communication skills, and helps students set objectives and goals. It is such a joy to see what the next generation is going to do with the world," she said.

Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas President Rick Franke is also thankful for HCC's supply of eager volunteers.

"Junior Achievement programs could not have the profound impact they have on young people without the support of partners such as Houston Community College Northwest," said Franke.