Texas State University’s Enactus team held its annual Free Enterprise City Event on Nov. 15 at Mendez Elementary School.
Free Enterprise City, which is an all-day event that teaches elementary students how to be good citizens, is the culmination of months of learning for the students in an Enactus project called Free Enterprise Educational Development (FEED). In the Phase 1 time period, the children learn economic principles, followed by Phase 2 where the children practice the economic principles in a hands-on learning experience in a retail store. During Phase 3 of the project, the students attend Free Enterprise City, complete with ten different learning stations teaching the broad concepts of becoming a good citizen. The children look forward to testing their skills and knowledge in a Jeopardy style game at Free Enterprise City at the end of the day. The learning stations at the City each teach a different learning concept in an entertaining and engaging manner.
Members of the Enactus program helped teach students at Mendez Elementary school on Nov. 15. The all-day event is meant to teach students how to be good citizens.
The stations are continually updated, and this year included the following: “University Station – Get an education! Dress for Success Station – Be Professional! Career Station – Explore the Options! Free Enterprise Economy – Learn Economic Freedom! Free Enterprise Store – Make a Profit! Banking Station – Be Financially Responsible! Courthouse/Jail Station – Be Ethical! Global Station – Use Resources Wisely! Social Media Station – Learn Benefits & Dangers! Health & Fitness – Promote Wellness!
This event is in its 20 th anniversary year and now involves seven elementary schools, including: Bowie, Crockett, DeZavala, Hernandez, Mendez (Host School in 2019), Rodriguez and Travis. The host school varies, depending on space availability.
Enactus is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.
