Welcome to The Success School!
As a part of the Chamber's Foundation, The Success School acts as the connection between the business and the education communities. We serve students by introducing them to many different potential career options, providing them with opportunities to interact with professionals in different fields and helping them understand that graduating from high school is crucial for future success. We also serve the business community by offering meaningful volunteer opportunities for business professionals in our career learning programs which provide workforce development services for youth.
MissionProvide real-world learning opportunities for area students to increase academic engagement and excite young people about future careers to help shape tomorrow’s workforce for employers in Monroe County.
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The Success School acts as the connection between the business community and the education community. We serve students by introducing them to many different potential career options, providing them with opportunities to interact with professionals in different fields and helping them understand that graduating from high school is crucial for future success. We also serve the business community by providing workforce development services for youth and meaningful volunteer opportunities for business professionals in our career learning programs while helping to shape our community’s future workforce.
The Success School offers several hands-on Career Learning Programs throughout the school year. Over 1,700 elementary, middle school and high school students from Monroe County participate in The Success School programs annually.
These programs are possible thanks to our many wonderful sponsors and volunteers who help with each program offered by The Success School. Several hundred local professionals, college students, and other community members volunteer for these programs each year.
The Success School offers several hands-on Career Learning Programs throughout the school year. Over 1,700 elementary, middle school and high school students from Monroe County participate in The Success School programs annually.
These programs are possible thanks to our many wonderful sponsors and volunteers who help with each program offered by The Success School. Several hundred local professionals, college students, and other community members volunteer for these programs each year.
Get Involved with The Success School
If you're looking for ways to get involved with the Success School, you've come to the right place!
As a non-profit organization focused on developing real-life skills in K-12 students, The Success School is always looking for volunteers and community members to help out in any way they can. The Success School team hosts a variety of events throughout the year, offering several ways to volunteer your time, and is always looking for businesses and individuals to financially support the organization's work.
As a non-profit organization focused on developing real-life skills in K-12 students, The Success School is always looking for volunteers and community members to help out in any way they can. The Success School team hosts a variety of events throughout the year, offering several ways to volunteer your time, and is always looking for businesses and individuals to financially support the organization's work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Career Panelist - answer questions from middles and high school students
Reality Store® Volunteer - run a table where students visit to record monthly expenses INCubator Coach - teach a lesson to a high school entrepreneurship class Financial Literacy Coach - teach lessons to elementary classrooms Mock Interviewer - perform a practice interview for high school students Employment Fair Exhibitor- showcase your company and open positions Career Cruise Exhibitor - provide interactive display and talk about careers in your field Job Shadowing Host - host a high school student in your business for a day Intern Host - host a high school student intern for one semester Email Katie Sensabaugh for more information on any of these opportunities! |
Sponsorship Opportunities
Did you know the Chamber has a Foundation to support the work that the Success School does in K-12 schools?
The Chamber Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to creating partnerships between business and the community in support of education. The Chamber’s Foundation supports all programs offered by The Success School, including:
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Success School Programs
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The Success Schools offers a wide variety of Career Learning Programs and Events to students in Monroe County. These programs provide hands-on experiences that get students excited about future education by helping them realize the relevance and importance of their education to life. These programs also help students by introducing them to a wide variety of careers that are available after graduation.
The Chamber’s Foundation supports all programs offered by The Success School, including:
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Success School Resources
Book Readings
Teachers -if you would like a volunteer to read one of these or other books remotely or in-person, please contact Katie Sensabaugh.
Career Awareness (Preschool - Grade 2)
The children are introducing their family's careers to their classmates. One mother is a judge, a grandmother is the school crossing guard, and the teacher's husband is a paleontologist. A father is a construction worker, a mom is a nurse, and another mother is a veterinarian. Each profession is depicted on a double-page spread; a page showing the curious child with the family member is opposite a full-page picture of the contented adult at work. The text is written in a large font, which makes it easy to read, and the colorful pictures are equally appealing. Useful for units on careers and community helpers. LINK to BUY |
Entrepreneurship (K - Grade 3)
This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started. LINK to BUY |
Financial Literacy (PreK - Grade 2)
A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that's exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade--and also lemon-limeade. With a catchy refrain (Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LEMONADE!), plus simple math concepts throughout, here is a read-aloud that's great for storytime and classroom use, and is sure to be a hit among the legions of Jenkins and Karas fans. LINK to BUY |
Civics (PreK - Grade 3)
Imagine starring in commercials and traveling in your own campaign bus! Or seeing your face on bumper stickers and T-shirts! If you ran for president, you would get to do these and other fun things, but you would also have to do a lot of hard work. You would study the nation's problems, tell the American people about your platform, select a running mate, and debate your opponents on live television. Finally, in November, Election Day would arrive. You would keep your fingers crossed and wait for the results―will you be the next president of the United States? LINK to BUY |
Career Videos
Artist: Susan Snyder, Owner of Pottery House Studio
Biologist: Dave Kittaka, District 5 Fisheries Biologist at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Business - Sales: Chip Sedory, Business Degree and Sales Career and currently at Cook Medical
Chef: Abel Garcia, Executive Chef at Cardinal Spirits
Chiropractor: Dr. Dane Ericson, Osmon Chiropractic Center
Computer Programmer: David Bell, Software Engineer and Senior Consultant at Fusion Alliance
Early-Childhood ED: Kristie Rundell, PreK Teacher at Richland Bean Blossom Schools
Education Consultant: Kim Heiderich-Watson, M.Ed, Edmentum Inc.
Event Planning: Christina Rockett and Michele Suttile, Wedding Planners and Coordinators at Sincerely Yours Weddings and Events
Fire Fighter: Tom Figolah, Fire Fighter and Prevention at the City of Bloomington
Fund Raising: Meagan Niese, Development Director at Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County
Graduate Student: Mary Woodruff, Biology Graduate Student at Indiana University
Human Resources: Sarah Ely, Director of Human Resources at Solution Tree
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Human Resources: Amanda Paikos, Human Resources Associate at Oliver Winery
Library Science: Matt Neer, Community and Customer Engagement Assistant Manager at the Monroe County Public Library
Non-Profit Social Service: Michael Shermis, Special Projects Manager at the City of Bloomington and non-profit consultant
Optometry: Leanne Short, Instructor of Optometric Technology and Program Chair at Ivy Tech
Professor: Melissa Biggs, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Respiratory Therapist Program at Ivy Tech
Professor: Meghan Porter, Lecturer at Indiana University Chemistry Department
Public Health Educator: Alexander V. Fort, Educator/Tester at IU Health
Retail: Luke Sabine, Sales Representative for Michael's Art Supply
Scientist - Chemistry: Matthew Hicks, Manager of Quality Assurance at Catalent
Science and Technology Industries: Regional Opportunity Inc. (ROI) Upland Series, STEAM Jobs
Web Design: Dave Martin Design, LLC
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To add a video on your career, email Katie Sensabaugh, Director of The Success School.
Career Videos: Panels
Arts Career:
Anna Tragesser, Artist and Community Services Manager at the Indiana Arts Commission Cassie Hakken, Marketing Manager at Cardinal Stage Kip May, Owner of Kip May Photography * More Information on a career in the arts: Arts + Social Impact Explorer Banking for Non-Bankers:
Alisha Taylor, Mortgage Loan Originator at German American Hanna O'Neal, Universal Banker at Owen County Bank Paige Ferguson, Marketing Specialist at IU Credit Union Elderly Care
Stacey Goffinet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Comfort Keepers Melanie Goode, Community Relations Coordinator at Senior Helpers Genna Lynn, Branch Manager at Caregiver Homes Engineering
Chelsea Moss, President of Abram-Moss Design Group, LLC Adrian Reid, Associate Vice President at AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc Hospitality Panel Part I
Jeremy Brown, Owner of Nameless Catering Company Teal Strabbing, Visitor Services Manager at Visit Bloomington Hospitality Panel Part II
Galen Cassady, General Manager at The Uptown Café Lauren Davis, Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn Information Tech
Craig Hickman, Vice-President of Sales at ProBleu Jeff Barnhill, Executive Director Of Technology at CarDon & Associates Chris Dickens, Chief Information Officer at Rootworks |
Media (Radio/TV)
Julie A. Beasley, Mid-America Radio GroupVice President of HR & Operations at WCLS- FM What's Happenin' Co-Host Brad Holtz, Vice President/General Manager at WTTS/WGCL Radio, ST Digital Eric Alan Bolstridge, Children's Programming Producer at WTIU (PBS) at Indiana University Medical
Sarah Hatch, Director of Student Recruitment at IU School of Public Health Keith Rademachier, Paramedic and EMT Clinical Director at Ivy Tech Chelle Filippelli, Student Services Administrative Coordinator at IU School of Nursing Military
Erik Coyne, Retired Colonel from Air Force Tina Closser, STEM Coordinator at NSWC Crane SSG Nathan Knott, Army Reserve Recruiter for the Bloomington Army Recruiting Station Public Safety
Allison Moore, Director at Monroe County Emergency Management Brad Swain, Monroe County Sheriff Anthony Greathouse, Firefighter 1st Class at the City of Bloomington, Psych & Social Work
Serretta Brooke, Assistant Clinical Professor of MSW Field Instruction and Coordination at IU Jackie Daniels, Executive Director at Indiana Center for Recovery Trades
Emily Bigley, Admissions Recruiter at LIFT Academy Rex Hinkle, President at Cook Aviation Neil Patzner, President at Riverway Plumbing Women in Trades
Baily Swan, Carpenter at Loren Wood Builders Sarah Menefee, Carpenter at Loren Wood Builders |
Entreprenuership
Entrepreneurship is a field that is growing everyday. Many feel motivated to be their own boss, create their own hours, and provide a service or product to people in their community. Entrepreneurs are innovators, but many students do not know where to start when they come up with a great idea.
Below is a compilation of resources for the up and coming young entrepreneur. These websites include activities, guides, and more information for all ages who are interested in creating their own business.
Patents and Trademarks
Kid Entrepreneur Guides
Lemonade Day Resources
Young Entrepreneur Activities: includes resources for teachers
Entrepreneurial Resources: includes a range of websites and programs students can participate in
Below is a compilation of resources for the up and coming young entrepreneur. These websites include activities, guides, and more information for all ages who are interested in creating their own business.
Patents and Trademarks
Kid Entrepreneur Guides
Lemonade Day Resources
Young Entrepreneur Activities: includes resources for teachers
Entrepreneurial Resources: includes a range of websites and programs students can participate in
2022 Maverick Challenge High School Pitch Showcase
An evening of Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship student pitches hosted by the Dimension Mill, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Monroe County Community School Corporation.
Congratulations to the 2022 Maverick Challenge Monroe County Winner, Sam Law! Sam's startup Backroads is a website for buying and selling new and used streetwear.
An evening of Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship student pitches hosted by the Dimension Mill, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Monroe County Community School Corporation.
Congratulations to the 2022 Maverick Challenge Monroe County Winner, Sam Law! Sam's startup Backroads is a website for buying and selling new and used streetwear.
FINANCIAL LITERACY: ELEMENTARY INTERACTIVE GAMES
Peter Pig's Money Counter
Learning about money is fun with Peter Pig. In this interactive game, kids practice identifying, counting and saving money while learning fun facts about U.S. currency. After completing the game, players are rewarded with a trip to the virtual store to buy accessories within budget and dress up Peter Pig in fun scenes. 3 different skills Levels |
Ca$h Puzzler
Memory puzzles are some of the first games young children play. Put the scrambled pieces of the puzzle back together to complete the image of a dollar bill in Visa’s Cash Puzzler game. Choose between 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar bill puzzles and learn fun facts about Benjamin Franklin, Ulysses S. Grant and more. Ages: 3 thru 6 |
My Life, My Choices
THE SCENARIO: You have arrived at your first day of college or university* out of state in a town where you have no family or current friends. You start off with $1,000 in your checking account, having worked hard for the past three or four summers to earn enough to pay for tuition, fees, books and small living allowance for your first year of school. YOUR MONEY: Based upon your choices, you will learn how your priorities affect your finances throughout the month. This program will add and subtract money from your account depending upon your lifestyle choices. |
FINANCIAL LITERACY: MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL INTERACTIVE GAMES
FINANCIAL FOOTBALL
This fast-paced, sports-themed, interactive game, engages students in quiz bowl–style questions to advance players up the field. The VISA-created game has been recently updated with new questions and graphics and include various levels of difficulty and game lengths to make it easier for teachers to differentiate in the classroom. Players can play against the computer or each other. Ages: 6th through high school |
MONEY MAGIC
Money Magic is designed to teach basic budgeting principles. The main character, Enzo, represents the human tendency to value short-term gratification. The game challenges students to balance immediate wants with long-term plans. Jacqueline Prester, a Mansfield High School teacher in Massachusetts, loves Money Magic “because it gives my students a fun and competitive way to practice their budgeting skills in a nontraditional environment.” Ages: 7th through high school |
SPENT
Spent challenges players to survive the struggle of low-income living. Developed by McKinney to raise money for Urban Ministries of Durham, the game has become a hit in financial literacy classrooms. “Spent allows students to truly understand some of the incredibly hard decisions families, living paycheck to paycheck, have to make on a daily basis,” says Courtney Poquette, a business educator from Winooski, Vermont. Helpful companion handouts to accompany the game. Ages: 8th grade through high school |
FINANCIAL LITERACY: GAMES & RESOURCES FOR ALL AGES
Financial Literacy Resources for All
EconEdLink provides a range of classroom-tested, virtual financial literacy resources for K-12 students. With over 1,000 lessons for all ages, students can learn about student loans, the federal budget, and trade. |
Money Smarts for Young People
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) created an age-appropriate curriculum around money smarts. This includes four free lesson plans, exercises, and examples about key financial literacy concepts. |
Financial Literacy Lessons and Resources
A collection of resources for all ages that focuses setting a personal budget, managing credit, the importance of savings, and how to invest. Resources include videos, hands-on activities, and other lesson plans. |
Professionalism
Regardless of the job or industry, professionalism is easy to spot. In order to succeed and move ahead you need to demonstrate professionalism. Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase. It means conducting yourself with responsibility, integrity, accountability and excellence. Professionalism isn’t just one thing. It’s a combination of qualities and when its demonstrated it’s the “whole package”. Don’t think that because you are not a doctor or a lawyer that you don’t have to worry about professionalism.
LINK to video Module courtesy of Indiana WorkOne and the U.S. Department of Labor
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Soft Skills: Workshops & Presentations
Below are PowerPoint presentations:
Work Readiness Skills Goal Setting Skills
Leadership Skills Workplace Relationship Skills
Business Etiquette Workplace Ethics
Teamwork Skills Attitude Skills
Problem Solving Skills Communication Skills
Flexibility Skills Time Management Skills
Social Media Skills Professionalism
(Modules provided by Indiana WorkOne)
Work Readiness Skills Goal Setting Skills
Leadership Skills Workplace Relationship Skills
Business Etiquette Workplace Ethics
Teamwork Skills Attitude Skills
Problem Solving Skills Communication Skills
Flexibility Skills Time Management Skills
Social Media Skills Professionalism
(Modules provided by Indiana WorkOne)
Tour of Opportunity: Virtual Options
Virtual Field Trip Options:
Success School FAQs
Why is the organization named The Success School?
We believe that when business professionals partner with the schools, we can insure that all students develop critical skills for their future life success. Financial literacy, job skills, soft skills, entrepreneurship, and career awareness all play a part in a successful adult's life, and we know we can be a part of that critical learning.
What are the requirements to be a volunteer?
For the Reality Store®, Career Panels, Mock Interviews, Career Day, and Job Shadowing programs, volunteers must be at least 18 years old. As volunteers will be interacting with youth, they must also consent to and pass a free background check.
Do I have to be a Chamber member to volunteer or serve as an exhibitor?
No. Although most of our volunteers are Chamber members, that is not a requirement.
Why do you do the Reality Store® in middle school, as opposed to high school?
Since the Reality Store® illustrates the connection between current grades and future success, we hold the Reality Store® in middle school as a way to encourage students that it is not too late to get their grades up. When students transition to high school, their GPA resets, so we use this exercise to help them see the importance of their grades and encourage them to improve their grades and study habits prior to reaching high school.
Can I donate to The Success School?
The Success School is part of the The Chamber Foundation, which is a registered 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to creating partnerships between business and the community in support of education. Monetary and in-kind donations to the Chamber Foundation are tax deductible. Click here to Donate Now.
I'm a teacher. Can The Success School help me provide experiences and opportunities for my students?
The Success School is glad to work with teachers to help provide career speakers, career panels, job shadowing opportunities, mock interviews, and internships. If you would like to partner with us, please request programming on this form, or contact Katie Sensabaugh for more information.
Where can I learn about what the Success School does and its history in the community?
The Success School's previous director, Christopher Emge, discusses the history of the Success School and why it is important to engage the greater community in schools. Presentation HERE.
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Interested in learning more?
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Katie SensabaughDirector of the Chamber's Foundation & Internal Operations
[email protected] |
Grace QuinnAssistant Director of The Success School
[email protected] |