Jamie Bates

Bates's "Small Hands, Big Hearts" program teaches students about citizenship and the value of community service through hands-on experience. The program transforms the classroom into a working community, as students create their own government, constitution, stores, bank and post office. Students in the theoretical community earn a salary based on work production and quality, pay bills using checks, participate in business and government activities, and pay taxes as citizens of their community. The project immerses students in "real-world" situations where they apply the concepts of government, economics, and personal finances. Students also are exposed to the importance of community service, as they participate in projects to help a local homeless shelter, nursing home and children's hospital. Designed to help participants develop a better understanding of community, the project allows students to grow as individuals and learn through service to others.