VSU's students teach fifth graders the basics of business

Students at Southeast Elementary school are learning to be young entrepreneurs, with the help of Valdosta State University's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

Each week SIFE members assist fifth graders in making products to sell and teaching them about various aspects of running a business. According to Dr. L. Wayne Plumly, professor of Economics and SIFE advisor, the elementary school students are making paperclip jewelry, bookmarks, pins and other items to sell to fellow students.

The project, which began in January, gives a general overview of how a business operates, and students learn about marketing, management, finances and accounting procedures.

According to Plumly, this is just one of several ongoing projects that SIFE members use to teach area school children the importance of work ethics, how our free enterprise system works and the educational and employment opportunities that exist within our community.