Note: This post was originally posted to Facebook by Class of 2019 Team Rockin’ 608, whose members are Courtney Perakis, Brad Huber, Angie Kablar, Amanda Pellizzi, and Ben Simmons.
As part of the Leadership Development Academy of Rock County our project team developed an initiative to create partnerships between students and local businesses giving them an opportunity to collaborate and share their resources. We called this the Community Development Academy (CDA).
Our project took flight as we connected Parkerdeca students with a local small business Riley’s On The Green They took part in a “real life” experience while John Zimmerman, Kevin Riley and our CDA team worked with, and mentored the students through a marketing research project.
A large group of students provided input on the research, which included Google Analytics, website research, SWOT analysis, social media/advertising plan, and website redesign ideas.
The core group of students took part in the meetings, shared their research, opinions, and became strong advocates for the collaborations with businesses/students in our community. These students will offer continued support and assistance as Riley’s implements items from the marketing plan.
Before the project started, the CDA team planned, designed and worked a local event to raise funds for schools and their ongoing leadership initiatives. This week our team presented the students with a check for their hard work and dedication to the project.
The success of this project is just a small start to helping our youth and community build relationships and a stronger community.
We are super proud of the drive and determination the School District of Janesville, WI Janesville Parker DECA students put into the CDA team project.
We are thankful for all those who helped make this possible and look forward to helping others.