Community Wellness Challenge
Problem: Many of Madison's middle school students were not making smart wellness decisions. Our city was even featured on HBO's "The Weight of the Nation" and criticized for its unhealthy lunches.
Solution: In collaboration with our local Walgreen's, we were able to design a wellness curriculum and a fun, activity-filled day devoted to teaching middle school students to make educated food, activity, and lifestyle choices. We implemented this plan at Sherman Middle School and are currently tracking the results!
Financial Resiliency Foundation
Problem: With nearly 20% of Americans living beyond their means, education about personal finance is critical. Research indicates that teaching finance to students yields greater money-management skills that carry well into adulthood.
Solution: We worked with our local FRF branch to prepare materials and an education plan. A number of Enactus students then paired up with local teens and tutored with them throughout the semester.
EduAccess
Problem: In many of China's underdeveloped villages, low income students are forced to work instead of continuing their education.
Solution: We partnered up with a few target schools, hosted multiple case competitions to show the Education Boards that we are planning to help for many years to come, and designed a sponsorship program for a number of selected families. We helped to ensure that their children will continue their schooling until graduation.
The Little Library Project
Problem: Madison, like most communities, struggles with Illiteracy and a lack of easy access to reading materials.
Solution: We teamed up with The Little Library project to help make books accessble to children of all ages in Madison. We constructed Little Libraries (hang-fabricated wooden "houses") and partnered with local schools to have their students decorate them. These decorated libraries were then placed throughout the Madison community, giving children convenient, free access to literature.
Bags for Bonuses
Problem: Plastic bags create problems for our environment and often end up in landfills, yet not many students use reusable grocery bags.
Solution: We helped show students how utilizing a reusable grocery bag not only helps clean up our environment, but will also help them save some SERIOUS cash! We negotiated with both local businesses and local residential buildings to educate students about the importance of recycling and reducing the waste they produce. These local markets and businesses are now providing large discounts and rewarding those individuals who make the right decision to not use plastic bags.