MANKATO, Minn., Jan. 31, 2007 — Nearly 50 sixth-grade Fitzgerald Elementary School students will be on edge as they prepare for their interviews next week and compete for jobs in Junior Achievement's Exchange City. HickoryTech employees volunteer their time to make this learning experience possible for students, but in the end, both students and employees are rewarded with life-long benefits.
In Junior Achievement's Exchange City, students learn first-hand what it takes to create a business, supervise employees and hold elected office, as well as personally earn and manage money. All this occurs in a kid-sized city nestled in a 10,000-square-foot former bank building.
Next week, Fitzgerald sixth-grade students, with resumes and job applications in hand, will meet face-to-face with HickoryTech employees to interview for jobs as if they were adults. The students will answer questions and explain why they should be hired for positions, such as: banker, lawyer, police officer and elected official. Following the interviews and employment offers, the students will travel to Maplewood, Minn. to run a city for a day with each student having an important job to do.
Sixth-graders will not just work at their jobs; they will also receive paychecks twice during the day and decide how to spend their money. The students can opt to buy health insurance, purchase goods or save their money in the bank.
“Our students spend weeks preparing for Exchange City,” said Kim Meyer, Fitzgerald Elementary School principal. “It's one of the best real-life learning experiences we offer them and it is often one of the most memorable experiences of the sixth-grade school year.”
Brian Corbett, HickoryTech major account manager, has volunteered his time to conduct interviews for Exchange City for the last several years. “Exchange City interviews are not only memorable for the students, but also for us volunteers,” Corbett said. “The kids are so nervous, yet they impress us with their preparation and knowledge of job roles and responsibilities. The reward is watching these sixth-grade students experience the same responsibilities as their parents at age 12, and wondering how this may enhance their opportunities for success in the future.”
Prior to their visit, the students learn to balance a checkbook, the importance of supply and demand and how to be good citizens. They also will vote for a mayor and develop a list of laws.
The Exchange City program is offered to sixth-grade students in the region, and typically costs $30 per student, plus bussing; however, the Mankato Junior Achievement board of directors has partnered with local businesses to offset the costs of the program so all students can participate.
“The support of HickoryTech and all of our community partners is vital to maintain Junior Achievement programs and these wonderful experiences, such as the Exchange City Program,” said Tami Reuter, director of Mankato Junior Achievement.
“HickoryTech is proud to be an ongoing sponsor of Junior Achievement and have its employees volunteer time to make the program successful,” said John Finke, president and chief executive officer of HickoryTech. “It's important programs like this one that benefit our youth and make our community a better place to live.”
Nearly 20 HickoryTech employees have volunteered their time to support the Junior Achievement program in the Mankato area this year. In addition, the HickoryTech Foundation has provided funding through its grant program for the last five years.
About Fitzgerald Elementary School's Exchange City Experience (Photo Opportunities):
Junior Achievement's Exchange City interviews will take place Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 9:15 a.m. at Fitzgerald Elementary School in Mankato. More than 10 HickoryTech employees will interview sixth-graders. Fitzgerald School's Exchange City visit will take place Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1800 White Bear Ave. N. in Maplewood.
About Junior Achievement:
Junior Achievement (JA) was started in 1919 by a Massachusetts businessman named Horace Moses (who also founded 4-H). He had a plan to teach kids about free enterprise through hands-on experiences. JA came to the Upper Midwest in 1949. In the Mankato area alone, there are more than 230 JA programs. The classes reach more than 4,900 students. JA programs offer schools age-appropriate curriculum on business, economics, free enterprise and citizenship for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Volunteers, mostly local business people, teach all of the JA programs. For more information about the JA programs available in the area, or how to volunteer, contact Tami Reuter at 507-387-9609.
About HickoryTech:
HickoryTech Corporation is a diversified communications company headquartered in Mankato, Minn., with operations in Minnesota and Iowa, and approximately 410 employees. In its 109th year of operation, HickoryTech offers a full array of telecommunications products and services to business and residential customers. The Telecom Sector offers local voice, long distance, internet, broadband services, digital TV, and IP networking. The Enventis Telecom Sector provides IP-based voice and data services, as well as network solutions on a state wide SONET-based network. The Information Solutions Sector develops telecom and carrier access billing solutions. To learn more about HickoryTech Corporation, visit the company's web site at www.HickoryTech.com.