On The Record
More than thirty high school students from across the region experienced a unique learning experience as participants in the 2015 Global Trade Mission program held on campus during the last week of February. This was the third year the College sponsored the program, which is designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, give them an understanding of how the global economy works and expose them to emerging technologies.
Michael A. Finney, Governor Snyder’s senior advisor for economic growth, gave opening remarks about the role the State of Michigan plays in the global economy. “Exports are good for the state, good for the Michigan companies and good for Michigan workers,” Finney expressed to the students. “They allow Michigan companies access to huge market opportunities—more than 95 percent of the world’s population and 80 percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the United States. Exports create high-paying jobs with companies that pay 15 to 18 percent higher wages than the national average.”
Dr. Bellanca and Dr. Kimberly Hurns gave welcoming remarks encouraging the students to learn as much as possible from the program and apply it to their career plans.
Program grows and prospers
“We are delighted that this program continues to grow and prosper,” said Linda Blakey, WCC vice president of student and academic services. “We are so grateful for the support we received from our leaders in business, education and government who so generously donated their time to teach and coach the students as they collaborated on their projects.”
“The Global Trade Mission represents the College’s commitment to partner high school students with relevant programs that expose them to a college setting,” Blakey continued. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for these students to open their minds to the possibilities of jobs they might not otherwise consider, give them a sense of accomplishment and create a pipeline of qualified young professionals who are adept at problem solving and prepared with the skills they will need for 21st century jobs.”