Businesses needed for student tours

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Springfield Public Schools are coordinating the annual Students Go To Work program – a chance for young students to take interactive tours of area businesses in February.

Each participating class will take a half-day tour of a business to learn the importance of an education and the skills involved in specific jobs.

Businesses are asked to provide lunch at the end of the tours and to pay the cost of transporting students to and from the location, a total expense of about $85. Some scholarship funds may be available if the financial issues are keeping a business from participating.

The average class size is 25 to 30 children. A curriculum guide will be provided during an unscheduled orientation meeting in January.

The district is seeking hosts for classes from 15 elementary schools that have yet to be paired with businesses for the tours. To participate, contact the district’s Community Development Office at (417) 523-0021 by Jan. 13.