MANKATO, Minn., Jan. 22, 2009 — Imagine being 12 years old and interviewing for the position of mayor or bank president. Approximately 50 sixth graders at Fitzgerald Elementary School are busy preparing for interviews, which will occur next week as they compete for jobs at Junior Achievement’s BizTown. HickoryTech employees volunteer their time and commit resources to make this experience a reality for students, but, in the end, both students and employees benefit.
Next week, Fitzgerald sixth-grade students will meet face-to-face with HickoryTech employees when they interview for jobs at BizTown. The students will answer questions and explain why they should be hired for positions, such as: bank teller, web designer, newspaper editor and even mayor. Following the interviews and employment offers, the students will travel to BizTown, located in Maplewood, Minn., to run a city for a day.
At Junior Achievement’s BizTown, students learn first-hand the dynamics of a community, how to run a business, supervise employees and hold an elected office. They earn and manage their own money. The students may opt to buy health insurance, purchase goods or save their money in the bank. All this occurs in a kid-sized city nestled in a 10,000-square-foot former bank building in Maplewood, Minn.
“JA BizTown addresses economics in a positive, hands-on manner,” said Judy Doyle, Fitzgerald Elementary School teacher. “Students learn about personal financial responsibility and generally what it means to be a good citizen in a community. It is so rewarding to see the students' excitement build as the on-site day approaches. They take their jobs very seriously and really want to succeed at their jobs and they have a fun time doing so.”
Christie Satre, a Marketing Analyst at HickoryTech, has volunteered in the classroom the last seven years teaching K-5 curriculum and she’ll interview students for BizTown next week. “It’s a great program because it ties the school curriculum in a fun way with hands on activities for the students,” said Satre.
“The kids get so much out of it and are so appreciative. I think we volunteers get as much out of it as the kids do. You really learn a lot from them.”
The BizTown program is offered to sixth-grade students in the region, and costs approximately $18 per student, plus bus expenses. Mankato’s Junior Achievement has partnered with local businesses to offset the costs of the program so all students can participate
“The BizTown facility is a real-life learning lab where students are able to experience first hand how an economy works,” said Jessica Roschen, District Manager, Junior Achievement. “We are fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity to Mankato area students as BizTown facilities are only available in 26 other cities in the world. It is an experience they will remember for many years and one that will help shape their financial decisions and habits as they grow older.”
“HickoryTech is proud to support Junior Achievement and to encourage its employees to volunteer and make a difference in our community,” said John Finke, president and chief executive officer of HickoryTech. “Youth programs, such as this one, make our community a better place to live.”
HickoryTech employees volunteer their time to support the Junior Achievement program through volunteering in the classroom and with BizTown interviews. In addition, the HickoryTech Foundation provided funding through its grant program to sponsor BizTown.
Photo Opportunity:
Junior Achievement’s BizTown interviews will take place Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 10:15 a.m. at Fitzgerald Elementary School in Mankato.
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA), founded in 1919, helps 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 215 JA programs. The classes reach more than 5,000 students. JA programs offer schools age-appropriate curriculum on business, economics, free enterprise and citizenship for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Volunteers teach all of the JA programs. Program expenses are covered through the generous support of local business and individuals, as well as two events hosted by Junior Achievement, a golf marathon and bowling event. The BigBowl fundraising event will take place at Dutler’s Bowl in Mankato on March 20. For more information about JA or to volunteer, contact Jessica Roschen at 507-387-9609.
About HickoryTech
HickoryTech Corporation (NASDAQ: HTCO), headquartered in Mankato, Minn., offers integrated communication products and services to business and residential customers over a regional fiber network. The company, founded in 1898, has approximately 430 employees. The Telecom Sector, with facilities-based operations in Minnesota and Iowa, offers local voice, long distance, high-speed Internet, Digital TV and IP networking services to residential and business customers. In addition, the Telecom Sector develops telecom and carrier access billing solutions and customer management systems. Enventis provides IP-based voice, data and network solutions to businesses across in a five-state region. For more information, visit www.hickorytech.com.