Red River Area Learning Center students connect with MSUM students
December 16, 2016
During the fall, Red River Area Learning Center students had the opportunity to work with pre-service teacher candidates from Minnesota State University Moorhead to create a business plan that addressed a food-related issue.
“It is my hope that students are able to connect local food issues to the global community,” said Kelsey Jenkins, Red River ALC social studies teacher.
The students discussed and learned about food use in the United States, and many of the projects addressed the amount of food wasted in America and how to decrease that level of waste, Jenkins said.
During the 10-week project, the students met with the MSUM students for an hour each week. The final presentations in November consisted of a gallery walk where students presented their business ideas.
The collaboration with MSUM provides the high school students and college students the opportunity to work with individuals who have had different life experiences from their own, Jenkins said.
“In addition, Red River ALC students are able to meet and work with positive adults who want to invest in their education,” she said. “For many of the MSUM students this is the only opportunity they are offered to learn about alternative education and the students served within alternative schools.”
Jenkins said that relationships built between Red River ALC students and MSUM students can last after the project is complete.
“This very organic idea has turned into a successful mentoring program that benefits both alternative learners and future educators,” she said.
Photo caption: Red River Area Learning Center students and Minnesota State University Moorhead education students work on designing a logo as part of their business plan to address a food-related issue.
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