REACH Camp Welcomes 52 High School Students
Paul Gadea is only 16-years-old, but he already has his sights set on a career in business.
The Montclair High School junior helps his parents at their Pomona Indoor Swap Meet clothing business, and he witnesses their enjoyment in meeting customers.
“I’m looking to start a bigger business at a swap meet,” he said.
The teen was one of 52 high school students participating in the 11th annual REACH Summer Business Camp that began June 6 and runs through June 24. The camp introduces students to business concepts such as economics, marketing, accounting and management. Students go on tours of large organizations, and then develop a business plan that they present at the end of the program.
“In three weeks, you are going to be a completely different person than you are today, because what you’re going to experience is what most people cannot experience until they are a freshman in college,” said College of Business and Public Management Dean Ibrahim “Abe” Helou.
Northview High School junior Michelle Torres says the opportunity to travel has attracted her to international business. She envisions working for a company that supports animals.
“I would like to focus on getting donations to help animals who need food,” she said.
Numerous University of La Verne faculty members provide instruction to the students. Associate Dean of College of Business and Public Management Dr. Rita Thakur, who is teaching Economics and Culture, says it is an opportunity for professors to connect with a younger audience.
“You can’t assume they know everything so you have to go to their level,” Thakur said.
The camp’s success lies in its many community sponsors and partnerships with organizations such as Sam’s Club, US Bank, PepsiCo and the Metropolitan Water District.
Some business owners in the community serve as mentors during the program.
Randy Blackman of Haker Equipment Co. in La Verne said he attended the REACH breakfast to check out the program and offer his assistance, if needed. His company sells and services equipment such as street sweepers, drain and sewer cleaning trucks and video inspection equipment.
“Personally, I think (business is) extremely important in what makes us who we are in America, so I was interested in seeing this program in action,” Blackman said.
For Northview High School junior Jocelyn Esparza, business is one of a couple of options she is considering. She is also interested in becoming a teacher. But her first goal is college.
“With a business degree, you can get a variety of jobs,” she said.
REACH began in 2006 under Professor of Business Administration Dr. Adham Chehab, who sought a way to give high school students exposure to business education and college life. It has been directed by Professor of Management Dr. Issam Ghazzawi every year since. Ghazzawi reaches out to businesses and community leaders to participate in the program, and students participating this year come from five different school districts.
More than 500 students have completed the camp. It is open to first-generation, underserved students with at least a 2.5 grade point average.
