On the Chalkboard: Spring 2012
“I just wanted to thank you again for everything you have done for the students from my school. Through this project, you have given my students an experience that we never could have imagined.”—Assistant Principal Lisa Levine, High School of Applied Communication
Hands-on programs with real-world applications show students that what they learn in the classroom extends far beyond the walls of their school. Assistant Principal Lisa Levine and two 12th grade social studies teachers from the High School of Applied Communication are working together with Business Partner Elise Kirban from NCR Corporation—a global technology firm that works in over 100 countries—to develop and enhance student learning in economics and government.
Working in teams throughout the semester, 50 high school seniors conducted mini-research projects on Fortune 500 companies including 3M, Apple Computer, Best Buy, and many others. While studying the issues that these companies face and investment strategies for each of them, students met with NCR employees from the marketing, business development, and government affairs departments, along with many others. This exposure not only drove home the skills that students learned in class—it also provided them with career insight and a glimpse of the inner workings of modern offices. For their final project, the teams presented their investment recommendations to senior NCR executives. The program has been so successful that Assistant Principal Levine has suggested expanding the program for additional seniors in coming school years.
Aside from reinforcing the skills learned in the classroom and exposing students to new careers, this Partnership also addresses a major issue that millennials will have to contend with: the economy. The recent economic downturn demonstrated how interconnected the global economy truly is. Gaining that perspective will help students as they begin to plan their own futures.
NCR’s work with The High School of Applied Communication demonstrates the level of impact a business can have in a school. By offering an array of programs, the Partners are inspiring students by making key connections to classroom learning and enabling them to explore careers where they can apply that knowledge.
