 "Photo: Courtesy of SDSU SIFE")
The San Diego State Students In Free Enterprise won the SIFE USA Regional Competition on April 3 in New York.
"Winning regionals in New York was an unbelievable sense of accomplishment," marketing graduate student Kimberly Carter said. "Our team has the advantage of members from various majors who are dedicated to making a difference in their community."
Carter heads the 11-member team.
During the competition, the team had 24 minutes to showcase its overall work for the past year. About 15 business leaders acted as judges and critiqued each group's projects, presentation and team sustainability.
Next month, the team is set to compete in the national competition in Chicago. If it wins, it will go on to represent the United States in the SIFE World Cup competition in Singapore.
However, before getting on that flight to Chicago, it needs to find funding for the trip. Carter said the size of the team and the short notice make it hard to obtain the money needed, but the group is already halfway to meeting its goal.
"We've been very fortunate in that multiple sponsors have seen our potential and are helping us get to Chicago," Carter said.
To raise funds, the group is planning a Rock Band competition and event at Chevy's.
SIFE is an international nonprofit organization that is on more than 1,500 campuses in 48 countries. The teams help to create economic opportunities in communities through various outreach projects. Students have an opportunity to work within the local community with those who are less fortunate.
The team's projects have to focus on market economics, entrepreneurship, personal finance skills and business ethics.
Integrated marketing and communications senior Danielle Collier said that through the group she has had the chance to do a lot of things other college students may not.
"Not only am I learning how to put to use things I learn in the classroom, but I'm helping out my community at the same time," Collier said.
This past year, SIFE has worked with 24 different small-business owners in National City. It has also worked on projects at San Diego High School.
At SDHS, the group has planned SDSU campus tours to motivate high school students to continue their education by attending college.
The group is planning a fundraiser featuring a Rock Band video game competition. It will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Chevy's in Mission Valley. With the flier for the event, SIFE will receive 25 percent of whatever is purchased. To get a flier, visit the Web site, www.sdsusife.com.
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