For one business-related student group, it’s not all about money.

Armenian pen pals and volunteering at a women’s shelter are just two of the projects SIFE – Students in Free Enterprise – will be working on this semester.

The group, part of a global not-for-profit education organization, seeks to improve the quality of life in the community by teaching the principles of market economics.

“We are a community outreach that takes what we learn in class and applies it to the community,” said Ivan Radman, treasurer of SIFE.

The group begins its recruitment drive today with a “Bash” event at 5 p.m. in room 248 of the Miller Learning Center. The event is open to anyone interested in the organization.

SIFE’s aim is to educate others by applying business concepts to create outreach projects to help those in need. The program focuses on market economics, entrepreneurship, personal and financial success skills and business ethics.

“This is a community service where you can do anything,” said Muizz Mullani, vice president of SIFE. “We identify what community needs are and create programs to help these specific needs.”

SIFE will be holding numerous projects over the semester including résumé building workshops at a women’s shelter and an Armenian pen pal program that may culminate in a trip to the country.

“We would like to have a trip to Armenia,” Mullani said, “and teach why community service is important.”

SIFE has numerous corporate sponsors, which has lead to job opportunities for some past members. “Aflac usually hires two members,” said Nick Kemp, president of SIFE, “they go out and search for SIFE members at our national competition.”

SIFE won its regional competition in 2008, a major achievement for an organization’s first year back on campus. That was the first time the University’s program went to the national competition. And though the members didn’t win the national competition, they did receive praise from officials.

“Judges said they were by far the most personal and charismatic at nationals”, said Tracey Dowling, Career Center adviser and faculty adviser for SIFE. “[SIFE] is not just a business focus, but is open to all majors.”

The national competition had schools from all over the country compete.

These competitions are also a way for students to make valuable connections to businesses and network.

“Students want to get exposure,” Radman said. “It’s a good way to network and get exposure to corporate sponsors.”