I have always advocated that our education should prepare us for the real world. It should focus on us learning key skills of the business world and making important connections. To this end, I believe that our schools should have more programs to build bridges between our education system and the workers of the real world. Our current education system on its own is unsatisfactory and falls short of this goal. The development of our children into functioning adults has become secondary. Our education system consists of standardized tests, the regurgitating of arbitrary information, and forcing our children through an assembly line. The real world requires critical thinking skills and networking in the workforce to survive, and our education system does not provide this.
This is why I believe in the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP). This nonprofit organization helps build bridges between schools, businesses and leaders within the Greater Binghamton community to promote career development for current and future workforce participants. This nonprofit, at no additional costs to schools, functions to provide an education more focused on the real world.
The GBEOP has three main programs. I would like to focus on their Junior Achievement program, which is dedicated to giving students from kindergarten through high school the knowledge and skills they need for economic success. In this program, volunteers deliver hands-on activities in grades k-12 that foster entrepreneurship, workplace readiness, and financial literacy. The Junior Achievement program has shown significant growth, growing from 300 students in one school to over 1,000 students in multiple schools. This progress shows that this nonprofit is a good investment.
I understand the importance of these types of programs in our schools because I have had several beneficial personal experiences with them. I was lucky enough to go to a high school where programs existed that connected me to the real world. My high school, Baldwin High School, included a law academy which allowed students the ability to make connections with lawyers and government administrations that existed outside the educational system. Through this academy, I met several lawyers, judges, and the Assistant District Attorney of Nassau County. This academy also included Mock Trial, Youth Court, and several filed trips to colleges and court rooms. These programs helped me develop several key real world skills that I would not have had otherwise. I learned how to be a public speaker, how to work together with other people, and how to be confident in my abilities as a person. This is why I believe that the GBEOP is worthy of our donation. I am certain that organizations such as these are imperative to prepare our children for the real world.
This is why I believe in the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP). This nonprofit organization helps build bridges between schools, businesses and leaders within the Greater Binghamton community to promote career development for current and future workforce participants. This nonprofit, at no additional costs to schools, functions to provide an education more focused on the real world.
The GBEOP has three main programs. I would like to focus on their Junior Achievement program, which is dedicated to giving students from kindergarten through high school the knowledge and skills they need for economic success. In this program, volunteers deliver hands-on activities in grades k-12 that foster entrepreneurship, workplace readiness, and financial literacy. The Junior Achievement program has shown significant growth, growing from 300 students in one school to over 1,000 students in multiple schools. This progress shows that this nonprofit is a good investment.
I understand the importance of these types of programs in our schools because I have had several beneficial personal experiences with them. I was lucky enough to go to a high school where programs existed that connected me to the real world. My high school, Baldwin High School, included a law academy which allowed students the ability to make connections with lawyers and government administrations that existed outside the educational system. Through this academy, I met several lawyers, judges, and the Assistant District Attorney of Nassau County. This academy also included Mock Trial, Youth Court, and several filed trips to colleges and court rooms. These programs helped me develop several key real world skills that I would not have had otherwise. I learned how to be a public speaker, how to work together with other people, and how to be confident in my abilities as a person. This is why I believe that the GBEOP is worthy of our donation. I am certain that organizations such as these are imperative to prepare our children for the real world.
Hi Christian,
ReplyDeleteI’m really glad you decided to do your charity pitch on this organization because I was disappointed that it was not chosen as a class finalist. For me, education has always been the the pathway to success but it sometimes feels like taking classes that have nothing to do with your future are useless. GBEOP is super important for students to become real people and useful members of society. There are so many different skills I wish I learned in high school (like how to write a check or write a resume) but instead I spent so much time learning how to complete an equation with integrals.
I’m not sure how much a class donation of max $150 could help this program which needs to pay teachers to come into the classes. I think that this organization would benefit more from a larger donation but I understand that every part counts. I don’t know if students who have access to the GBEOP have the same amount of marketability to higher education like your Mock Trial but I understand the comparison. I am confused as to the extent of what kinds/age ranges of students have access to this program and if this information actually made them more successful in the workforce. You wrote that the Junior Achievement program has seen significant growth which is very positive especially in New York State where teachers have seen large pressure on testing and subject-based learning.
I am curious as to why a program like this is necessary if many students (like myself) did not have access to this program and will likely end up just fine when entering the workforce.
These were just some of my questions but I think you did a good job of presenting the goals and programs of the organization, this was just some food for thought.
Good job, again!
In response to Isabel, when you say many students like yourself "did not have access to this program and will likely end up just fine when entering the workforce" does not mean it is not needed for other students. Education levels in New York State are not all the same. It depends SO MUCH on funding, demographics and etc. The Binghamton area is much like the Bronx in regards to education. It does not have the best reputation when it comes to education. Coming from personal experience and being from the Bronx (which certain areas of the Bronx) holds a similar reputation to Binghamton. Alot of students especially minority kids,children of immigrants and or immigrants living in poor neighborhoods NEED programs like this to ensure their success in the future. Some of these children do not have the proper mentors to look up to know they will be “just fine” Some people need the extra help and some people do not and that is okay. However, programs like this are not one fits all. They work to suit children in different aspects to help them become a better person and guide them towards their career paths. As Christian said today in class, programs like this helped him with his public speaking which is amazing because I think he is a strong speaker.
DeletePrograms like this are essential for children who need more help. It is also non profit so it doesnt hurt the school to include in their agenda. It is important that children are getting their education but also tools that will help with the knowledge. As Christian mentioned in class today, It is one thing to learn math and science but it is ALSO important to learn public speaking skills, life skills, skills to help you along with life espeically if you are not getting taught these lessons at home OR just need a professional opinion on it.
Hi Christian,
DeleteI really appreciated your presentation on the GBEOP. This is a program I am not all that familiar with and did not know enough about to vote for in our initial finalist selection. As you said in your presentation, I think programs like these are really important in order to provide students with real-life skills. I really feel that the Jenna's comment is an extremely important component of your argument in that this program can do more than just "put a foot in the door" for potential job marketability, it provides children with a foundation. Programs like GBEOP have the ability to change a child's perception of the world, especially if these children do not have positive adult role models or come from a home that does not foster a supportive environment for academics. Students that come from such backgrounds often struggle more in school and have higher drop out rates than those students who do not. Implementing a program like GBEOP's Junior Achievement, can make a large impact on child's track to success by building these positive relationships between students and adults and can help provide the additional resources to ensure their success. Furthermore, your note of the Junior Achievement program's growth from 300 students in one school to over 1,000 students in multiple schools shows the need for it in the community. It appears that based off of the numbers alone, this organization would be a wise investment for the Broome County area. Overall, I really enjoyed learning more about this organization and your presentation has honestly made me regret not taking it as a more serious candidate in the previous voting cycle. I hope to see this program expand in the community in the near future!
-Francesca
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ReplyDeleteI agree that education needs to go beyond Scantron tests and the basic regurgitation of facts. GBEOP provides a great opportunity for students to gain valuable life skills outside of their classrooms. Wealthier schools are often able to fund these types of classes for themselves and incorporate them into the curriculum, but that is not the case for communities like Binghamton. GBEOP fills this important resources and help reduce that opportunity gap that impairs many students across the country from achieving their potential. However, there is a certain aspect of your argument that I am weary on. I don’t think we should discount the importance and value of the day to day teachings and lessons that are provided in the classrooms. Yes, it may be seem pointless to remember historical events, but these past occurrences help us understand our present reality. For students who do not want to pursue a career in the STEM field, math and science may feel pretty useless, but in reality it helps us think and see more creatively, and find patterns that may be unnoticed to the untrained mind. I am always cautious about this idea of school not teaching useful skills, because I do not think useful skills only come about in form of people speaking and financial literacy. Don’t get me wrong; these are extremely important skills and they should be taught more in school, but we should not discount the lessons that have more of an indirect aspect. These general education requirements also force us to expand our horizons and study topics we may originally know a lot about. I like the GBEOP is an inclusive program opposed to a replacive one. I don’t think the problem is the material as much as it is quality. We need to make sure the quality of teachers and resources are all equal in every school, regardless of the demographics and socio-economic status of the student body. GBEOP is working to help remedy some of these systematic problems, which we have seen through research (including this Harvard study http://www.sedl.org/pubs/sedl-letter/v20n02/afterschool_findings.html). It is helpful in ensuring future success. I just believe that we have to be careful when we deem what information matters and doesn’t matter. We should not put ourselves in the position of saying we know what information students should learn, because every student has different interests, and therefor may find a passion or drive for further education through different lessons. I am by no means saying that the American education system and curriculum is perfect or should go unchallenged, but there are definitely lessons to be learned through it; lessons that should not be ignored just because it is harder to see a straight line between the subject and our career goals. We never know what information will come in handy later in life.
ReplyDeleteHey Christian. I really am glad you chose this organization because like Isobel mentioned before I also did think it would be a finalist. Personally, I was always raised to have high grades and do really good in school. Yet with that expectation meant a lot of outside the classroom drilling that my parents did with me all the time. My dad always had me looking for internships and participating in things since I was a kid till I am the age I am now. However, going to public schools in NYC, I was surrounded by students who this did not apply too. Our schools teach us things that do not pertain all the time to the real world and aren't really focusing on skills as much as the NYCDOE may think that is what they're doing. Without my parents strict parenting skills, I believe a lot of things that I know now, I would not have known if they just relied on the public school system.
ReplyDeleteThus, I am a big supporter of programs that go into schools and teach students things outside of the classroom. I’ve always dreamed of starting my OWN school that kind’ve revolves around this idea of actually teaching students things they will need for real life. Rather than the things we learn now. Without these programs, so many kids from many underprivileged backgrounds are lacking so much. Then the ones, that do pass through school and get to college, are missing a whole other set of skills that are required in college that they weren't taught in schools back in NYC.
Hi Christian,
ReplyDeleteI too, was disappointed that GBEOP was not selected as a finalist, as they were a great organization to vouch for. I want to pursue a career in education, as I want to be an elementary school teacher (and most likely teach special education). Part of that reason is that I don't want to have to teach to the test and worry about being behind in the curriculum so students will feel pressured and rushed throughout the year, as well as not get a true understanding of the topic and its materials.
When I was in high school, I wondered the same thing that most other students wondered: Why do I need to learn about Pythagorus' Theorem, but not learn how to balance a checkbook or to fix a flat tire? The educational system is most definitely flawed, as there should be things that all students learn that apply to our future real, adult, everyday lives, like the two examples I mentioned.
The work that GBEOP does is incredible, and it's even better that this is done at no additional cost. There is no downside for a school to decide to incorporate GBEOP into their district for the benefit of their students. It allows students to get hands-on experience in professions they are interested in, as well as help them plan for the future.I love that the Junior Achievement Program you mentioned is Kindergarten through 12th grade.
It's also great to hear your personal experience with GBEOP and how it has impacted you. I hope that GBEOP can expand to more districts, as it allows students to learn outside of the classroom. The fact that it went from 300 students in one school to over 1,000 in multiple schools shows that it has such a positive impact in the community and needs to continue to expand and flourish. I hope it does get to, since it really helps students learn outside of the classroom promote themselves with their area and businesses to help them economically.
- Matthew Sturm
Christian,
ReplyDeleteI would first like to say that I feel the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program is a fantastic charity, very different from many others out there. I find it particularly fascinating that this charity has the ability to provide service to everyone, from rich to poor and anywhere in between. Education is universal - we learn something new everyday. But it is what you do with that newfound knowledge that makes it matter. So if we are taught things that we may never apply, or if we are not taught the things that we will need to apply, what are we really learning?
This is where I feel you are trying to go with the GBEOP. They are an organization that will teach the things that will be applied. Getting kids to learn things in a fun way, without the pressure of tests or assignments or grades, is the best and most effective way to get them to really absorb that knowledge. I feel that this could not be more true.
I also enjoyed your personal experience input. When I was younger, I too participated in clubs like mock trial and visited real court rooms and such. In fact, we went on the same trip each year, but each year I found it more and more interesting. It is truly fascinating how much more someone pays attention and truly learns when they are genuinely interested in what is being presented.
Having reviewed this organization when we were narrowing down the finalists, I must also say that the fact they do so much with only 1 full time employee is extremely impressive. They are absolutely an organization that deserves more support based on the fantastic opportunities they offer. I feel that they have a huge amount of potential, and with the proper funding and support they can truly make a huge difference. I hope we can be a part of that. Great work!
-Thomas Houghton
Hi Christian,
ReplyDeleteI think your personal connection to this charity is really great. I know that as a high school student from a relatively small town I had wished for more opportunities to see what kind of skills we would need in the workplace. It's amazing how they manage to help over 1,000 students as a non-profit and I'm glad that they're doing so well and spreading the entrepreneurial spirit.
However, it is a little unclear as to what kinds of specific programs they offer to students. From your personal account I know that they offer a law academy through the Junior Achievements program, but other than that I’m not completely sure of what other career insight they provide. Another question that lingered was how much would younger students really benefit from this program? I agree with you that this program would be a great opportunity to get a feel for the real world, how much do students in kindergarten, for example, really need to hear about business skills? If they do provide children with activities to prepare them for analytical thinking, then that would be more helpful for them.
A few people in the comments mentioned that school is heavily focused on purely academic subjects that have little real use value in life while manual or household skills are almost never taught. I believe that if GBEOP tried to work with schools not only to expose students to future career opportunities but to also incorporate skills that will be useful in their adult lives. Overall, I think they’re doing a great job and they are making real changes in the lives of young students, but I would like to learn more about their specific programs.
- Sara