Basic Organization Information
Blue Springs School of Economics
- Physical Address:
-
Blue Springs, MO
64013
- EIN:
-
43-1581206
- Web URL:
-
www.schoolofecon.org
- NTEE Category:
-
B Educational Institutions
-
B25 Secondary/High School
- Year Founded:
-
1994
- Ruling Year:
-
1993
Sign in or create an account to see this organization's full address, contact information, and more!
Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Economics is to provide high quality, reality-based educational experiences that prepare young people to understand and apply basic marketplace concepts and skills, and expose them to business-related careers.
Expert Assessment
There are no Expert Reviews for this organization. Learn more about
TakeAction@GuideStar.
Impact Summary from the Nonprofit
<p>The School of Economics hosts educational field trips every day of the school year! Last year, the facility provided hands-on business simulations for 11,090 students from 86 public, private, and homeschool groups from the Greater Kansas City area.</p>
<p>A new director of operations was hired in August 2010. Staff functions for the part-time aides were made more efficient by better organizing the work and storage spaces, reducing the number of inventory items, and eliminating nonessential tasks. The direct impact is that an aide has 1-2 additional hours per day to interact with the student participants and enrich their learning experience.</p>
<p>We solicited the donation of 12 newer computers, 12 flat-screen monitors, and the use of a color laser printer with which the students can design and print their own business cards. The students’ CPA Firm, which uses the computers to balance checkbooks, was relocated to create a “financial district” with the School of Economics bank. The observable impact is that young accountants and loan officers are taking the initiative to confer and resolve money matters. They have greater ownership of financial questions and walk next door to find the solution. Those are steps toward financial independence!</p>
<p>Within the building, the simulation area was repainted by volunteers, walls were taken down, and the space was made brighter and more open as a learning environment.</p>
<p>Two $500 scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors who attended the School of Economics during their elementary school years and are now pursuing business-related careers.</p>
<p>The crucial goal for next year is to ensure sustainability of the School of Economics by replacing the annual funding which was withdrawn by the Blue Springs School District during budget cuts.</p>
<p>Other strategic plan goals are to improve the academic relevance of the program experience, to develop a comprehensive technology plan, and to address staffing and facility needs.</p>
Financial Statements
Audited Financial Statement is not available for this organization.
Leadership
Sue-Ann Johnson
Term:
Since
Aug
2010
Profile:
<p>Sue-Ann Johnson came to the School of Economics with experience in both business and working with children.</p>
<p>Her corporate career in sales, management, and marketing culminated with implementing a Quality Improvement Process for over 1,800 employees. Every business department and procedure was examined for efficiency, accuracy, and value to the company.</p>
<p>She graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Horticulture and began an executive MBA program before relocating to Kansas City.</p>
<p>Her knowledge of plants was shared as a volunteer at Powell Gardens and with the University of Missouri “Eating from the Garden” program for urban youth. Mrs. Johnson was on the board of directors for her children’s school PTA, drove a school bus, and served as a Girl Scout leader, troop organizer, mentor, and service team manager.</p>
<p>To expand the opportunities of working with children, she returned to college to pursue a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree from the University of Central Missouri.</p>
Highest Paid Employees & Their Compensation
Highest Paid Employee Data for 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 are included in the GuideStar Premium Report.
Upgrade Now
Report Added To Cart
Program:
International Bazaar
- Budget:
-
--
- Category:
-
Education, General/Other
- Population Served:
-
Program Description:
<div>Four different economic simulations are staged each school year for various age groups. The curriculum spirals to build upon the previous year’s experience and knowledge. The programs are aligned with state grade level expectations and national core standards in education.</div>
Program Long-Term Success:
<p>Today’s global world of commerce more complex and competitive than ever. At the same time, public school systems face a severe shortage of resources. Where will the next generation of consumers and producers learn the skills they need to succeed?</p>
<p>The goal of the School of Economics is for young people to become financially literate. We want them to understand and be able to apply basic marketplace concepts, make solid economic decisions, and establish a path towards financial independence.</p>
Program Short-Term Success:
<p>Quotes from attendees:</p>
<p>I worked in the bank and was fascinated by everything there was to learn about dealing with money. I enjoyed being involved in other people’s finances which has led me to my career choice. I made my first business card at the School of Economics and hope to soon have the real thing!</p>
<p>I learned to be a good team player and work well in a group of people all striving toward a common goal. I learned that being punctual in a job, or in any circumstance, is a very important virtue.</p>
<p>My favorite aspect was being able to see the purchasing power of my hard work.</p>
<p>Students were given paychecks from the bank and we could use that money to buy food during our breaks. We needed to budget our finances accordingly. We had expenses to pay like taxes and bills.</p>
<p>Our profits were so great that the choice had to be made between keeping the profit and ensuring (I got) a prize, or giving my workers a pay raise. I decided hard work need to be rewarded and gave the others on my team a raise.</p>
Program Success Monitored by:
<p>Year after year, teachers bring their students back for "the best field trip of the year". Our rate of return attendance is 98.6%.</p>
<p>In a 2010 survey of 165 teachers, two questions pertained to "success":</p>
<ul><li>Does…(the) simulation keep students actively engaged while attending the School of Economics? 96.9% "yes"</li><li>Does…(it) reflect the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education Grade Level Expectations in the content area of economics? 97.5% "yes"</li></ul>
<p>Following their 2010-2011 field trip, teachers were surveyed again about specific aspects their experience. Though overwhelmingly positive, the feedback helped identify a few areas for improvement, and teachers with suggestions were asked to serve on committees.</p>
<p>Formal assessment of learning takes place in the classroom, before and after the field trip. A visit to the School of Economics is "authentic assessment", in which students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills.</p>
Program Success Examples:
<p>From attendees:</p>
<p>The School of Economics wasn’t just a fun place to learn important business concepts. It was a spark that led to an interest in a field that I will soon go through six years of schooling to understand.</p>
<p>I still remember working in the bank and learning how to write checks back in fifth grade...(from an accounting major at MU)...It was really my first hands-on experience in the world of business.</p>
<p>I had always been good in math but I had never taken a leadership role. My job as the CPA Manager required me to step up and lead and I have continued to seek leadership opportunities.</p>
<p>That day I learned everything from bank operations to budgeting. The overall experience is a priceless memory of education in a fun-filled event.</p>
<p>It really opened my eyes to what I want to do with my life…The scholarship will help me pay for my education. My plans are to first gain experience working for a corporation, and then find a niche in a market of my choosing and start my own business.</p>
Evidence of Impact
Expert Comments
There are no comments available for this organization.
Organizational Strengths
Expert Comments
There are no comments available for this organization.
Areas for Improvement
Expert Comments
There are no comments available for this organization.