Muskego Business Teaches Global Commerce in Grade School

Employees from InPro Corporation in Muskego spent the day with students at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Big Bend last week to present to them the "JA (Junior Achievement) Marketplace."

Junior Achievement empowers young people to own their economic success. The volunteer-delivered, K-12 program fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and uses experiential learning to inspire kids to dream big and reach their potential.

The Global Marketplace class teaches some pretty heady stuff, but the kids love it. The sessions include

• Working in groups to identify import items found throughout the classroom, students begin to recognize that trade with other countries affects their daily lives. 
• Learning that a structure of rules and laws is required for countries to engage in international trade. 
• Students identify and understand the business practices used in other countries and how they vary from country to country. 
• Reviewing recent and historical examples of immigration, students discover how the movement of people facilitates international trade. Students learn that economic opportunity often is the driving force behind immigration and international business decisions.
• Students discover how technological advances in communication have improved productivity and facilitated international trade. 
• Students learn that countries have different currencies with different values. To purchase goods from another country, it usually is necessary to use its currency

Mike Ramos, an employee with InPro said, “I really enjoyed the time spent with the children. They were attentive and engaged. I feel I learn some things just as much as they do.” 

Kris Kaminski echoed his thoughts, adding, “I enjoy teaching children about the importance of business/manufacturing in our cities.”

“I love being in the classroom and it is also a treat for the kids. They love their JA day! I am so grateful InPro is giving me an opportunity to give back to the community in this way,” another employee Julie Mooney said.