SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise Program) is an exciting, intriguing, and fantastic organization that all Longwood students are welcome to become a part of.  The organization's goal is to introduce and educate the community about the free market system and the benefits of free enterprise and market economies.  Their mission statement, "Tell me and I will forget; teach me and I might remember; involve me and I will understand" displays SIFE's purpose: to encourage student involvement in order to understand concepts and ideas thoroughly.

SIFE's dedication and determination to make the general public aware of new happenings about the economy is apparent in the activities they provide.  They presented a program at a local retirement center to provide tips to the residents on how to avoid being the target of junk mail scams.  They presented a class to high school students on the importance of savings and the manner in which the stock market operates.  SIFE organized a Career Fair for high school students, where potential employers were matched up with potential employees.  The organization also created internet workshops.  In these workshops, members explained the importance of the internet and taught how to search for a variety of resources.  Economics is even being introduced at the elementary level; SIFE visited a local elementary school to discuss the importance of advertising.  Each class was instructed to create a unique commercial to entice consumers to buy pizza.  The class with the best commercial was treated to ice cream at Dairy Queen.  The organization also runs ads in the Farmville Herald about recent economic topics.

SIFE is a rapidly growing, successful group of highly motivated individuals that participate in numerous projects within the college campus and community.  This award winning organization has received much recognition, including both the "Rookie of the Year Award" and first place during the regional competition held in Richmond, VA, and "Rookie of the Year" once again at the international competition held in Kansas City.

Interacting with the community and being an active member of SIFE is a beneficial, enlightening way to educate others and learn even more about our ever-changing economy.   Amy Wyatt, (President of SIFE, 1997-1998) explains, "SIFE has helped me with public speaking, leadership, learning to use available resources, and to network efficiently."

For more information about SIFE, please feel free to contact Dr. Edward Adusei at (804) 395-2459 or Dr. Melanie Marks at (804) 394-2372.