SIFE

SIFE
Students in Free Enterprise

WHAT IS SIFE?

SIFE is a nonprofit organization that gives students the tools to learn the free enterprise system in a real working situation. SIFE challenges students on more than 700 college campuses worldwide to take what they're learning in the classroom and use their knowledge to better their communities. Guided by faculty advisors who are named Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellows in honor of the late Wal-Mart founder, SIFE Teams establish a variety of community outreach programs that teach free enterprise. For example, they teach concepts such as budgeting, accounting and supply and demand. They help budding entrepreneurs get their plans off the ground and mentor at-risk students, inspiring them to reach for their dreams.

WHAT ARE OUTREACH PROJECTS?

Each SIFE Team is free to address any economic issue in any way they choose. Some common project types are:

develop economic lessons plans geared to their grade level and teach school age children in grades K-12

develop web sites with economics lessons and links to economic education sites

help small businesses develop business plans and web sites

create and distribute public service announcements to radio and television stations

tutor and mentor at-risk students and emphasize the benefits of staying in school

bring speakers to campus or the community to educate others about free market economics

sponsor debates on current economic issues

develop economics lesson plans for home schooling

teach students the basics about money

develop stock market competitions among high schools

help K-12 students set up "real world" businesses

develop business simulations or games

WHY SHOULD OUR TEAM COMPETE?

Showcasing your teams’ accomplishments to a panel of America’s top business leaders is a unique opportunity.
Networking opportunities with business leaders.
You will meet students from many other SIFE Teams and gain insight from their projects and ideas.
Human Resource executives from SIFE donor companies will be at every competition conducting career fairs. Many SIFE students start their careers with SIFE donor companies.
Teams can win thousands of dollars in prize money through Regional and International Competitions.
You can become a Certified SIFE Scholar, and receive a letter from SIFE’s Board of Directors endorsing your efforts.
Your team will attain the gold level, SIFE’s highest level of participation.
A great opportunity to promote your SIFE Team, schools and community to national business leaders

What do I get out of this?

Personal and professional growth. Hands-on opportunity to practice skills you’ve learned in the classroom ... increasing your value for future employment.
JOBS!!! SIFE donors are at career fairs at every regional and international competition. Many SIFE students start their careers with SIFE sponsoring companies.
An opportunity to develop teamwork skills and compete against SIFE Teams from across the US and international teams.
Knowing that while you are better preparing yourself for your future career you are also making a positive difference in the lives of others.
A great opportunity to hone your written and oral communications skills in written and oral competitions judged by business leaders.
A chance for you as an individual to develop leadership skills by taking a leadership role on your SIFE Team.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET INVOLVED!

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College of Business Administration ◊ University of Central Arkansas ◊ 201 Donaghey Avenue ◊ Conway, AR 72035 ◊ (501) 450-3106
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This page was last updated on Wednesday, July 12, 2006.