What it is:

          An interdisciplinary program that introduces MN Juniors to the world of business.

What it’s not:

          A job fair to find the perfect career for each Junior.

The components:

• The Keynote presentation
• The Conference -- (at Penn State University campus, Great Valley) 20+ community volunteers discuss aspects of their businesses in a seminar format.   Students select 4 of these.
• The Visitation -- Students arrange a day of job-shadowing with a business of  their choice.
• The Oral Presentation -- Students make a presentation to classmates on one or two aspects of the business world.

The 13th Junior Initiative:  Fall 2008

The time lines:

• October 1-- Orientation for students--  Students receive Junior Initiative packets
• October 3-- Permission slips and Conference selection slips  are due
• October 16 -- Conference at Penn State, Great Valley Campus
• October 2 – October 30 -- Students arrange a visitation to a business of their choice and send letters to confirm arrangements
• October 17- November 11 -- Visitations ( 1/2 day  - 1 day)
• November 3 - November 26 -- Oral presentations in class

Where information can be found:

The student packet has all the information the students need to complete the project. Copies of the following forms are available for download:

• Student Introductory Packet
• Conference Forms
• Visitation Forms
• Oral Presentation Forms
• Description of Sessions

Assessment and grades:

The project is required for all Juniors and counts .5 credits.  The grade will appear on the report card at the end of the second marking period and is part of the students’ GPA.

Who runs the program:

The Junior Initiative Committee: Mrs. Terry Jenkins, Mr. David Locher, Mr. Robert McCormick, Mr. Dennis Andrews (Coordinator) and Mrs. Eva Kaufmann (Coordinator).  Faculty members serve as mentors for the students to guide them through the program.

Honors and Sponsorship:  

The Junior Initiative has been the recipient of awards from the 3E Institute, from ASCD and from the Pennsylvania School Board Association, and has been copied by two other school districts in Delaware County.  This exciting interdisciplinary program is being offered with the cooperation of Penn State University at Great Valley, the Newtown Square Business and Professional Association, the Broomall Business Association, the Small Business Association of Delaware Valley, Commerce Bank, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

For questions and more info:

Contact Mrs. Eva Kaufmann: ekaufmann@mnsd.org