Can a few cents revitalize a community?
Around the world, millions of talents go to waste because people lack the resources to get started. In 2006, Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize for his innovative idea of microlending to help impoverished communities. In this project, students will learn how microlending can be an incredibly powerful force for good. Your class will raise and lend money to entrepreneurs in developing nations who are trying to make a positive impact on the world!
Imagine if thousands of kids just like yours, all around the country, made small investments today that would have an immense impact on communities around the world. What an incredible way to make the world a better place!
What’s included in your project?
Real-World Connections
Blue Apple Projects provides opportunities for you to “bring the world to your students” by connecting you with industry experts as well as ways to “bring your students to the world” by giving them access to an authentic audience.
Bring the World to Your Students
Meet a Small Business Expert
Lesson 1: Consider discussing how small businesses grow and thrive with an expert in small business development. Schedule an appointment with Kelli Smith, Director of Lending Programs at G.R.O.W. to learn about small business growth!Ask a Microlending Expert
Lesson 2: Connect with a microlending expert to answer questions your students may have. Blue Apple can match you with a variety of microlending professionals who would love to chat with your class!Connect with a Celebrity
Lesson 5: You may wish to invite local celebrities like your principal, a local radio DJ, or a nearby entrepreneur to serve as judges as students pitch their fundraiser ideas. However, why not think big? Consider inviting national celebrities like Beyonce, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, or Taylor Swift!
Bring Your Students to the World
Change the World with KIVA
Lesson 4: Use KIVA.org to help your students impact communities around the world! Encourage students to share this resource at home as well!Connect with Community Leaders
Lesson 8: Sharing students’ work with an authentic audience increases their engagement because it makes the effort relevant and meaningful. Encourage leaders in the community to join the fundraiser!Be Talk Show Worthy!
Lesson 8: Help your students spread their enthusiasm by pitching a segment to a popular talk show using the submission links for multiple shows we provide.Meet the Press
Lesson 8: Send a press release to your local media outlets to share with your community how your class is making the world a better place. (New to press releases? Don’t worry-we also provide you with a template and tips on how to submit a press release!)
Each Blue Apple Project Includes:
- Engaging lessons designed to make learning memorable, meaningful, and fun
- Curated online resources to save you time searching for content
- In-person, virtual, and hybrid options for all learning environments
- Cross-curricular mini-lessons in English-Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning
- Videos and contact info provided by real-world experts willing to meet with your students
- Opportunities to collaborate with other classrooms doing the same project
- Free project supplies to get you started right away
