Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Team put a great twist on their annual “Citizenship, Leadership, and Service: Teens in Action” Conference this year. During the Jan. 23 event at the Kettunen Center, 20 teams of young people and their leaders got their creative juices flowing as they fashioned a new product out of a common household item, and then put together a marketing pitch for the other teams.
It was all in the spirit of inspiring social entrepreneurship—creating businesses to address social, environmental and community needs. For many, it was their introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to grow a financially stable business while meeting local community needs. And, as you heard in Gov. Granholm’s State of the State address last night, small businesses are good for Michigan’s economy.
Congratulations to the youth involved, and the instructors who made it happen: Laura Allen, MSUE career education coordinator; Chris Stickney, associate program leader; and Dhanielle Tobias, 4-H Youth Development intern.
