Students in the Davis College of Business and Technology at Jacksonville University recently embarked on an inspiring journey to support a nonprofit organization: Jax Jets, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to helping special needs and autistic children through ice hockey lessons.
Through the Davis College Business for Social Good program, led by Dr. Jim Simak, assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship, students gained valuable real-world experience while making a significant impact on their local community. This collaboration is part of the college’s commitment to experiential learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“The Business for Social Good program challenges our students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges,” explained Simak. “Through their work with JAX Jets, these students have gained hands-on experience in fundraising, marketing, and project management skills directly transferable to their future careers. This class prepares students to become leaders who understand how to use business as a tool for social impact.”
The students, enrolled in Simak’s senior business management capstone class, worked closely with Jax Jets to enhance its operations and outreach through building a new website and raising funds so special needs children can practice their ice hockey skills.
“Having a website to push out updated information will allow us to bring athletes into the fold and grow the organization, so we can continue to be successful,” said Beth Bolger, director of hockey operations at Hockey for Everyone Jacksonville and head coach of Jax Jets Hockey club.
Simak’s students worked closely with Davis College computer science students to help build the website, while others tackled fundraising initiatives. Their efforts culminated in a highly successful charity event that not only raised $1,200 but also strengthened community connections.
“I’m incredibly proud of the JAX Jets student team for their outstanding efforts in raising $1,200 for their nonprofit client, in addition to guiding the development of a new Jax Jets website,” said Simak. “This achievement highlights their creativity and resourcefulness in supporting a cause that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of special needs and autistic athletes in Jacksonville.”
Davis College of Business senior Jackson Carswell rallied his fraternity, Sigma Chi, to help raise the needed funds. “As Sigma Chi president, I was able to use my influence for good. The event was wildly successful.”
He liked that the course was a balance of a regular classroom coupled with helping a nonprofit.
“Being able to learn in the classroom and apply that information to helping this nonprofit was amazing,” said Carswell.
Senior Brooke Demaggio was grateful for her experience with the nonprofit.
“I’m very thankful I was able to work on this project because I plan to work in the sports business field in the future and it was a great opportunity to gain hands on experience with working with a sports organization,” she stated. “It was very touching to be able to make an impact in the short time we had working with Jax Jets.”
This partnership highlights the Davis College of Business and Technology’s commitment to experiential education and community involvement. Students not only gained practical skills in marketing, project management, and strategic planning but also learned the importance of social responsibility.
Through initiatives like this, Davis College continues to prepare its students to be thoughtful, impactful leaders ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
