FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2005
Contact: Joshua Hollis
(662) 329-7119

Business Week students gain knowledge, friendships from program
  
COLUMBUS, Miss. – Students participating in Business Week have departed the Mississippi University for Women campus as the camp closed its 2005 session Friday.
   
The only program of its kind in Mississippi, Business Week is designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of America’s free enterprise system.
   
Patricia Brock, director of continuing education and distance learning, said, “I’ve been really pleased [with this year’s program].” In previous sessions, Brock said, a computer business model was used, but a new direction was decided upon this year. “We went back to the basics . . . and had the [students] learn how to make a business.” The students were required to write reports about business and their thoughts, as well as participating in a newly incorporated community service component.
   
“From what I’ve heard,” Brock said. “They’ve enjoyed it.”
   
Brock heard right.  
   
“It was a good experience,” said Columbus native David McBride III, 14, who is attending his second Business Week session. “I learned a lot about money management.” McBride said he also enjoyed the social interaction provided by the program.
   
Andrew Wilson, a 15-year-old from Jackson, said, “I learned a lot about planning financial stuff . . . advertising stuff.” He said he would return next year.
   
First year attendee Madeline Logan, 14, from Newton, said, “I liked interacting with all the different people. It was a very good learning experience. I’ll be back as long as I can.”
   
Brock believes Business Week is appealing to students because of the interaction involved and the new friends made. Because of support from the Hearin Foundation, Business Week only costs $175, a price that isn’t indicative of quality. “[Business Week] gives the same quality of camps that are pricier.”
   
Alex Hinton, a Steens native who has attended for six years, said, “It’s a really good program. People should get involved.”
   
Business Week, started in 1977, has had more than 2,864 participants since its inception.
   
Janice Parker, one of the program’s charter students, said, “I’m glad to know that Business Week is still up and running . . . Business Week provided me with such a rewarding experience as a young person--not only did I learn and receive some foundational principles in business, I also gained some rewarding social experiences. I had no idea that such a wonderful educational program was still available to young people.”
   
Parker said she hopes to refer some applicants for next year’s session.
   
Brock, who is always getting new ideas on how to make the camp better, said, “We’re looking forward to planning next year’s camp.”
   
For information about Business Week, contact the Office of Continuing Education at (662) 329-7137, email continue@muw.edu or visit www.muw.edu/cont_ed/Summer/CECamps.htm.