Real-World Project Makes Students Work-Ready

HOUSTON - March 18, 2016 - PRLog -- University of Houston - Downtown (UHD) is one of a select group of schools nationwide to compete in American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) Collegiate Energy Challenge. This competition gives students a unique, real-world opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop a complete integrated marketing plan. The project raises awareness of the fuel and petrochemical industries and related career opportunities among AFPM's target audience, millennials and the local community, from March through April 2016.

Because the transition from classroom to full-time work can be challenging, AFPM is working with higher-education institutions to make students work-ready. Each participating school is paired up with an AFPM member to provide guidance throughout the competition. Austin Industrial, Inc., has volunteered to work with UHD. "Currently, the industry has more than 250 new projects that need entry-level workers in business, engineering, trades and more," said Whitney Hatcher, marketing manager. "Introducing students to real-world projects while in school gives them the experience they need so they can hit the road running upon graduation."

To kick-off the project, students in the UHD's Integrated Marketing Communications class created an in-class, working agency, Millennial2Millennial Marketing (M2M). With a $1000 budget, M2M will prepare, implement and evaluate their integrated marketing plan for their client. At the end of the term, students will measure their effectiveness and submit findings to their client. Finally, the top three teams will be invited to a formal, client meeting to present their campaign.

"We're very excited about this opportunity," said Jessica Bertsch, student agency coordinator. "It provides each student with a unique experience that allows them to further develop practical skills and to connect with industry leaders."

To learn how you can be help Millennial2Millennial raise awareness of the fuel and petrochemical, please visit http://facebook.com/M2MMarketingUHD

About American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
AFPM, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers is a trade association representing high-tech American manufacturers of virtually the entire U.S. supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, other fuels and home heating oil, as well as the petrochemicals used as building blocks for thousands of vital products in daily life. AFPM members make modern life possible and keep America moving and growing as they meet the needs of our nation and local communities, strengthen economic and national security, and support 2 million American jobs.

About EdVenture Partners
EdVenture Partners is an organization dedicated to developing innovative industry-education partnership programs. These experiential learning opportunities provide hands-on, real-world experience to students in tandem with providing marketing, recruiting, and social impact solutions at colleges and universities to clients. EdVenture Partners has designed and managed programs at over 800 campuses in North America and internationally.