Union's Econ for Kids Program Proves to be Greater than ever Envisioned

Learning about economics seems a daunting task for even the most astute learners. However, when introduced into classrooms of fourth, fifth and sixth grade children, economics becomes fodder for the imagination.

Last year, Union College, working with the Kentucky Council on Economic Education, developed a pilot program, Econ for Kids, to increase school-aged children's understanding of economics, our economy, money and the banking system. The program was funded entirely through a $23,000 grant from National City Bank of Kentucky.

No one knew the success this program would have. Program coordinators originally projected a participation of a 100 children from three county school districts. A final tally indicated nearly 600 children participated from five counties.

Now into the second year of the program, Dr. Ella Hensley, director of economic education for Union College, reports over 1200 elementary school children representing 50 classrooms in five different school districts and one independent school will participate in Union's Econ for Kids program.

"We never anticipated such an astounding success," Hensley said. "We now have teachers on a waiting list for next year's program."

Participating classrooms receive teaching materials, teacher training and support for the club meetings held in the classroom. At the end of the program, students and teachers attend an Econ Extravaganza on campus at Union. Students participate in economic competitive events where they compete for trophies, ribbons and certificates.

While at Union, students compete in three different events designed to showcase skills learned throughout the year. In one of the events, students demonstrate their creativity and talent by creating and presenting marketing campaigns for products they created throughout year. One group developed a new soft drink and presented a marketing campaign to the panel of judges.

Students can also participate in physical activities as well. Last year, at the end of the extravaganza, one event had students on the basketball court answering economic questions and dribbling to victory.

On Tuesday, February 15, 2005, the 50 participating teachers will be on campus at an official kick-off meeting. Representatives from Union College, the Kentucky Council on Economic Education, and National City Bank of Kentucky are expected to address educators who have been chosen to participate. The meeting will be held in the Black Technology Center beginning at 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Econ for Kids, contact Ella Hensley at 606-546-1323.

February 10, 2005

[Top]