Promoting Diversity with Project Stepping Stone
6/16/2009 (Kelley Indianapolis)
A group of local Hispanic students recently heard first-hand accounts of the advantages of attending the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis from four students who soon will begin reaping the rewards of their education.
About two dozen high school students with college ambitions attended the annual Project Stepping Stone symposium, which culminated with a panel discussion between the group and four Kelley students who have immersed themselves in the business school experience. IUPUI was just one of several Indiana universities participating in the annual program.
“For me personally, I just started at IUPUI because it was close to my house and I didn’t know what I could afford. I didn’t know much about Kelley until I got my welcome letters from the school,” said Jessica Martin, a Kelley junior.
“I think we really need to push it so students are doing their research and know what they’re getting in to and they understand that Kelley is really one of the best schools in the country,” Martin added.
Martin was joined by Kelley students Chad Beauchamp, Juan Benitez and Aziz Hamid, the school’s sole Diversity Research Scholar this year. The high school groups were engaged and interested, asking the Kelley students their thoughts on jobs, campus life and getting the most out of your education.
Project Stepping Stone is an annual event devoted to creating opportunities for Indiana Hispanic students, who research has shown face significant obstacles before attending college. The Indianapolis chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs sponsored Kelley’s involvement, as well as other schools and universities, in mentoring at-risk Hispanic youth through events like the panel discussion.
Several of the students were focused on the value of a college education and job prospects after graduation.
“You have to be as competitive as possible coming out of school … (Kelley) sets you up to be a better-rounded person and more competitive in the business world,” Beauchamp said.
Benitez, a finance major from the Dominican Republic, urged the students to get involved in activities once on a college campus and not keep your face buried in a book.
“Get involved so you can be part of something,” he said.
Hamid reminded the students of the school’s strength in research and the quality faculty, which he said has encouraged and influenced him greatly during his time on campus.
Russell Vertner , director of Kelley’s student diversity program, moderated the discussion and reminded students of the global nature of education today. He briefly discussed Kelley’s growing involvement in study abroad programs and urged the group to “think internationally as you develop your college career goals.”
Kelley Indianapolis and IUPUI continue to make strides in embracing diversity on campus, and Project Stepping Stone serves as an excellent forum to interact with the growing group of Hispanic students in the region, Vertner said.
For more information, please visit Kelley IUPUI or contact Dave Hosick, coordinator of communications and media relations with the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, at 274.6856.
