A group of 12 Virginia Tech students worked with small businesses and school children during a 10-day program in the Dominican Republic in May. The study abroad was led by Kimberly Carlson, assistant professor of practice, and Jack McDonald, adjunct professor, both of the management department. The activities were organized through Project Esperanza, a nonprofit service organization started as a student group in 2005 by Virginia Tech alumna Caitlin McHale. The activities included working with five Haitian entrepreneurs on business plans and marketing efforts; visiting a cacao farm, waterfalls, and other cultural and natural sites; and interacting with children in after-school programs.

The program was part of the activities of the department’s Business Leadership Center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.