An African woman's hand-woven purse business is being helped by Lehighton High School's Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship. SAGE members buy her purses and sell them in the United States, with profits returning to the African woman.

Superintendent James Kraky introduced the nonprofit, worldwide SAGE into the Lehighton School District this year after becoming aware of the organization through his daughters, both students that participated in SAGE at Northwestern High School. Superintendent Kraky saw nothing but excellence come out of it.

SAGE is a hands-on club that requires commitment and dedication—not only to the club, but to the team as well. A team consists of three people ranging from ages fourteen to nineteen. Team members compete at a regional level and, if successful, may continue to States, then Nationals.

To qualify at Regionals, the team must demonstrate: marketplace viability, social impact, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. These requirements focus on a business project the team chooses.

Most projects are environmentally friendly and try to focus on keeping "green." Some examples of team projects in past competitions include: Life Straws, a water filter for an African village; recyclable water bottles for kids, prom dress drive; Native American jewelry sales; and micro-financed loans.

"I believe SAGE will bring more global awareness, entrepreneurship skills development, enhanced public speaking development, and opportunities for our students here at Lehighton," Supt. Kraky said. He believes this organization will be an outstanding attribute to the Lehighton Area High School. After seeing good things from the Red Cross Club and Books of Hope, he believes SAGE will accomplish the same, while offering amazing opportunities for students.

SAGE offers many learning experiences to a student. Not only does a student involved in SAGE gain business knowledge, he or she has opportunities for public speaking, creativity, working with others, and interacting on a global level. The goal for SAGE is to make the world a better place. For further information, visit www.sageusa.net.

Elyse Kistler