World Trade Week reaches youths

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — More than 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States.  The 23rd annual World Trade Week runs this week and is aimed at helping regional companies tap into those global markets. The week features speakers, panel discussions and other events focused on this year’s theme: “The New Realities of the Global Economy.”

For the fourth year in a row, World Trade Week will reach out to youths during Student Global Awareness Day. The mission of this collaborative program is to help Grand Rapids Public High School students better understand how the global economy affects them today and how it can shape their future quality of life.

“It was a concept I developed five years ago in a meeting with World Trade Week organizers as a way to broaden the outreach of the week's activities to the young people of the area, to help them recognize that they can successfully take part in the global economy and workforce and still call West Michigan home,” said Scott Hibbard, vice president of international trade finance for Comerica Bank.

This year's Student Global Awareness Day will be May 9. The program is a partnership between Junior Achievement, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Grand Valley State University's Van Andel Global Trade Center. Amway Corporation, Comerica Bank and  World Trade Week - West Michigan provide the critical program sponsorship.  Hibbard says that in addition to these partners, support from Grand Rapids Public Schools - and particularly from Superintendent Bernard Taylor - has been key to the program's success.

“What's been encouraging is that each year, the program becomes more imbued with the Grand Rapids Public Schools' class curriculum,” Hibbard said. “Dr. Taylor saw to it that this program took a more meaningful role inside the participating classes, and for that we're very thankful. His leadership has helped bring this event to the next level.”

“The overall objective of this program is to help the young people of our school system understand the dynamics of the global economy and cultural relations - and of the job opportunities that await them after graduation,” Hibbard said. “At this point, one in six American jobs is attached to international trade, and the majority of future growth for all industries of all sizes will be overseas markets."

Some 180 students are participating this year. The students come from six classes from Creston, Union, Ottawa Hills and Central high schools. The students participate in a six-week Junior Achievement Global Marketplace course, concluding with an all-day event held at Grand Valley State University.

“The program has developed to a point where it parallels many of the career pathways that are taught in Grand Rapids Public Schools classrooms. It dovetails, but takes it to the next level by talking about global influence,” Hibbard said. “The idea is to help the students better understand that influences beyond West Michigan have a huge impact on their quality of life.. That preparation needs to happen now.”

The program culminates in a final-day capstone event held on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus. This program will showcase some of the area's international business leaders discussing their preparation, career experiences, and advice for success. Students will also experience international cuisine, and exhibits by universities and schools offering foreign study programs and international career ideas.

“The capstone event continues to more interactive, more user-friendly and generates more student energy.  It has improved substantially on many levels, with credit for its success going to numerous volunteers and sponsors that make it all happen.” Hibbard said.