Keith Ryan (left in photo), president of the Kiwanis Club, presents a check to help with the SIFE efforts to Roberts SIFE team member Agustin Rodriguez.The Kiwanis Club of Spencerport at a recent meeting heard about a group at Roberts Wesleyan College called Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). Founded in 1975, the SIFE organization was originally focused only in the United States. Today, SIFE USA operates as a subsidiary of SIFE Worldwide and is one of 39 countries around the world that comprises SIFE’s premier business and higher education network. SIFE USA works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing their skills to become socially responsible business leaders.
Participating students form teams on their campus and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The team at Roberts Wesleyan College is one of nearly 600 on college campuses around the country.
Through the SIFE USA Regional Competitions and USA National Competition, teams are provided a forum to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. The Roberts Wesleyan College SIFE was the highest finisher of any team in New York state. It was first runner-up in its league. The SIFE USA National Champion team advances to the prestigious SIFE World Cup.
The Roberts SIFE team is very involved with efforts in the Rochester 14621 community. They currently have four initiatives that they are pursuing. The team is also participating in efforts in India and other areas around the world. In addition to the community focus of the program, SIFE’s leadership and career initiatives create meaningful opportunities for learning and exchange among the participants as well as the placement of students and alumni with SIFE partner companies in search of emerging talent.
To learn more about SIFE go to www.SIFEUSA.org. To learn more about the Kiwanis Club call 352-8730.
