By: Maureen Fechter

Core Ethical Values:

Personal responsibility; teamwork; civic responsibility; citizenship; commitment, respect for others

Project Description:

The marketing classes plan and execute all phases of a morning Career EXPO and Job Fair that provides the student body with the opportunity to meet with representatives of many businesses in Monmouth County. After deciding on a theme to unify the event, the students break into various committees, such as Planning; Publicity; Signs; Supplies; Space Allocation; Welcoming; Follow-up. The students write to the various businesses, follow through on acceptances, design flyers, allocate appropriate space, and handle all logistics of the event. As a concomitant activity, they write resumes and participate in simulated job interviews. They also design motivational strategies to spur greater attendance and participation.

Target Audience:

The Marlboro HS school community.

Timeline:

One month in preparation. The event tales place from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Project Scheduling:

During class; students may meet after school for additional work.

Equipment Needed:

Computers to make flyers, publicity; room layout; tables for presenters; passes for students.

Marketing: Students demonstrate the elements of effective marketing through their collaborative planning and implementation of the Career EXPO and Job Fair.

Visual Arts: Students work together on creating flyers, advertising, invitations, etc. that demonstrate a high degree of artistry.

Language Arts Literacy: Students utilize writing skills in contacting businesses and doing journals, speaking and listening skills in working with the business representatives, and reading skills in following through on the instructions.

Social Studies: Students put into practice good citizenship.

Technology:  Students demonstrate technological skills in creating flyers as well as advertising, signs for the event.

Consumer, Family & Life Skills: Students demonstrate employability skills in each stage of the project. They also show critical thinking and decision-making in planning & executing this project.

Hurdles Encountered:

Hurdles: Finding the best time to hold the Fair.

Solution: Posited some possible dates; Chose one that followed the state testing and before the spring vacation.

Performance-based Education:

Students have an opportunity to demonstrate how they would use marketing skills in the real world

Cooperative Learning:

Students work together in committees.

Interdisciplinary Approach:

Several disciplines are involved in order to complete the project.

Personal Growth Outcomes:

Students learn that the event cannot take place without the collaboration of many. They also show ingenuity and creative planning as they navigate the deft balancing act of fitting in all the businesses in a limited space. Many also find career direction themselves.

Celebration: A bagel breakfast to honor the hard work.

Recognition: Marketing students who participate receive certificates.

Key Findings: Students work very hard at preparing for this event and experience a great deal of satisfaction. Also, they are very reflective and can identify possible changes that will result in improvement for the following year.

The Chamber of Commerce of Western Monmouth County works with the school 

Parents and Volunteer Involvement:

Parents give help in follow-up phone calls and providing food.

Reflection Activities: (Link with core ethical values)

A written assignment and discussion take place after the project is completed. Topics: How was this hands-on project different from your traditional class assignment? What particular skills did you learn? What marketing knowledge did you gain? What knowledge did you gain about your group? About yourself? About career choices?

Means of Assessment:

Rubrics to evaluate each phase of the project; individual & group participation marks.