Area Grade 3-6 Students on A-State Campus for Business Leadership Conference
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University’s Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy and the Kays Foundation Scarlet to Black Program will host the 10th annual Small Business Leadership Conference Monday, Nov. 17, on the third floor of the Student Union.
This marks the fourth of seven competitions and conferences planned for the academic year. So far, the programs have welcomed 468 students from kindergarten through sixth grade to the A-State campus, according to Dr. Philip Tew, director of the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, and director of Kays Foundation Scarlet to Black Program for Financial Independence.
The upcoming conference is the largest of the year, with 324 students from 18 schools across Northeast Arkansas expected to attend. Students in grades 3 - 6 have created 82 team-based businesses focused on toys, games or entertainment products for their age group. Hytrol Conveyor Co. is helping to sponsor this conference.
"Each team submitted a written business plan, a print marketing piece, a recorded commercial, and a recorded elevator pitch. Fourteen A-State students recently spent an evening judging all submissions," Tew explained. "During the conference, the top five elevator pitch teams in each grade category will present live in the auditorium."
Throughout the day, students will rotate through four workshops, designed to strengthen creativity, public speaking, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. These are all led by 55 A-State students. All participating students are members of their schools gifted and talented programs, representing a group highly likely to pursue college in the coming years.
The event schedule includes a welcome session in Centennial Hall at 9 a.m., live elevator pitches beginning at 9:30 a.m., workshops held in meeting rooms across the third floor, and an awards ceremony at 1:10 p.m. The event typically draws parents, grandparents and educators, bringing total attendance to more than 400 guests.
Participating schools include Brookland Middle School; Buffalo Island Central Elementary; Corning Middle School; East Poinsett County Elementary; Harrisburg Elementary; Health, Wellness, and Environmental Studies Elementary; International Studies Elementary; Leadership Elementary; Manila Elementary; Marked Tree Elementary; Math & Science Elementary; Newport Elementary; STEAM Intermediate; University Heights School of Medical Arts; Valley View Intermediate; Visual and Performing Arts Elementary; Walnut Ridge Elementary; and Wynne Intermediate. Several of these schools are joining the competition for the first time.
Faculty and staff are invited to stop by and observe the students’ work throughout the day. For more information one may contact Tew, Ptew@AState.edu or (870) 972-3742.
Reng Student Union
