WC Students in Free Enterprise
What Is SIFE?
SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Participating students form teams on their university campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. An annual series of regional and national competitions provides a forum for teams to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. National champion teams advance to the prestigious SIFE World Cup. In addition to the community aspect 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 companies in search of emerging talent.
Washington College's Students in Free Enterprise team was founded in the spring of 2003. Since then, WC SIFE has grown from a handful of students to over 25 active members. SIFE has touched the lives of fellow students, community members, local school children, and the faculty and staff of Washington College. We have partnered with other student organizations such as Student Athlete Mentors, with college departments such as the Center for Career Development, and with the local business community and the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.
Our steadfast goal has been to continue to broaden our reach at the college so that we can increase the scale of our outreach efforts. Our success can be seen in the growing number and involvement of international students and first year students, in the continued membership of students outside of the Business Management major, and in the interaction with faculty beyond the Business Management Department. This impact on our college was recently spotlighted when the Washington College Career Fair, a joint project of SIFE and the Center for Career Development, was recognized as the Collaborative Event of the Year by the Washington College Office of Student Activities. At the same time, we acknowledge with gratitude and pride the support we receive from the Business Management Department and Business Management majors and minors.
Highlights
- Providing educational opportunities in the principles of free enterprise for our fellow students and continuing to build our relationship with our community
- Broadening our membership base and increasing our sustainability initiatives
- Taking a quantum leap in our flagship community service project, the Washington College Career Fair
- Beginning seven new projects and continuing five from previous years