Teens get crash course on college, business world

Teens from across the state are coming together this week to learn about how to succeed in college and the business world.

About 30 minority and economically disadvantaged students between their high school junior and senior years are attending the free Fleischer Business Scholars Program at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. The crash course teaches them everything from resume writing to job interview skills to getting on the path to becoming a business leader.

“We want to start these students on the road to success,” said Tim Desch, assistant dean for undergraduate admissions at the W. P. Carey School of Business, who runs the program. “Some of them might not otherwise be exposed to this type of program or university visit, so we want to give them extra guidance on applying to college and obtaining financial aid and scholarships.”

The “bridge program” is designed to help students transition from high school to university business school. It combines college prep and the basics of business. This is the second year the program has been offered. Several alumni from last year’s class already have visited with the new students to talk about how the program prepared them to attend university business school.

“These kids are in for a great week and an amazing experience,” said Sebastian Navarro, a student who attended last year’s program and who is enrolling in the W. P. Carey School of Business this fall. “I can’t say enough how valuable this program was. I learned about the business school and did some incredible networking with the college staff. I also got a student mentor who still helps me plan out my classes, and I was able to choose a major based on what I learned. I got a feel for living in a dorm atmosphere and what college life is really like.”

During the Fleischer Business Scholars Program, students stay with supervising mentors in Barrett, The Honors College, at ASU’s Tempe campus. They work with current W. P. Carey School students and faculty members and with leaders from the business community. They do group projects and even make a site visit to a well-known firm for hands-on experience. The week culminates with a big awards ceremony.

Local entrepreneur Morton Fleischer and his wife, ASU graduate Donna Fleischer, donated all of the scholarships for the program. They hope to educate young people about the legacy of American entrepreneurs and about how the students can achieve business success themselves.

For more information about the Fleischer Business Scholars Program, call (480) 965-5187, e-mail Tim.Desch@asu.edu, or visit www.wpcarey.asu.edu/summerscholar.