By Eric Furth
Staff Writer
Mira Costa Economics teacher Adam Geczi is bringing real-life economics into his Advanced Placement class by giving students the opportunity to expand their knowledge to the outside world while aiding individuals suffering with cerebral palsy find a place in the workforce.
Geczi met a man with cerebral palsy, a genetic disorder which affects movement of the muscles, who inspired him to create a project for his AP Economics class. Students must use their class knowledge to create a business model that helps people with cerebral palsy earn money.
“I think it’s great that we are learning to apply economic theories to real situations in a way that allows us to help others,” senior Gunner Robinson said.
In early November, Geczi witnessed a man with cerebral palsy struggling to get out of his car and sit down at a coffee shop. He offered to assist the man, and upon making conversation with him, Geczi found that the man has been unsuccessfully trying to get a job interview for the past 23 years, giving rides in exchange for donations in Redondo Beach to earn a living. The van he bought to use for the service did not pass a smog check, making it illegal for him to offer his service to the public.
“I was inspired to be a contributing member of society when so many able-bodied people choose to live off the toil of others,” Geczi said. “I was thinking of a way to help him, help others and involve my students in the process.”
Geczi and his class hope they can turn the man’s model into a sufficient business for him to take over. They have aspirations that the business will grow and employ many drivers with cerebral palsy, giving them a chance to be completely self-sufficient. The service, intended to decrease drunk driving, would be free. However, donations to cerebral palsy research would be accepted.
“My students are charged with the difficult task of finding a private sector, as opposed to public sector or government, solution, the framework of which is the only defined component that addresses this market failure by deploying their profit seeking and socially entrepreneurial ability complemented by their newly acquired knowledge,” Geczi said.
To further supplement the business, students will create a website, obtain a vehicle and put together a brand image. In addition, it will teach students how to start a business.
“Best case scenario, students succeed in all of the objectives they set out for the project,” Geczi said. “Worst case, they become more aware of the disease, but also raise awareness, while creating a business model to support people living with this condition.”
Leave a Reply