Giving young ones first-hand looks at business

More than 100 classes of Springfield third graders had a real-life look at local businesses this past year, thanks to the joint efforts of the Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The two agencies together managed to guide the youngsters though tours of 81 businesses as part of the much-praised Third Grade Students Go to Work program.

The program originated in 1991-92. Participating students are from Springfield Public Schools, Greenwood Lab, Springfield Lutheran, New Covenant Academy and Catholic schools.

According to the office of Randy Russell, public schools director of community development, the purpose of Students Go to Work is to "provide classroom learning coupled with dynamic learning at the business site."

The 3-1/2-hour tours focus on how economic concepts are actually applied in the workplace. According to a news release from Russell's office, economics is introduced in the third-grade curriculum and students are tested at year's end, the object being "to learn that every job in today's marketplace requires academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities."

Before the conclusion of each tour, students apply for one of the jobs they've observed and even participate in a mock interview.

According to the release, businesses contribute their locations, time and effort because they realize the students will one day be their employees, their competition, or their customers.

Students Go to Work has received state and national acclaim and in 1998 was recognized as one of Missouri's 10 Best Practices by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The program concluded its 10th year in March. It will be held again next school year.