With an interest in economics and politics, senior Asha Patel noticed not much of an exposure toward both subjects at MHS until senior year. Patel realized that if she is dealing with this kind of deficit, others are too. Along with the help of senior Jude Jimenez,  created a platform called Sprout for students in sixth to twelfth grade in Northwest Indiana.

“Education is one of the easiest ways to move up whether it is socioeconomically, going to college or getting exposure to these ideas,” Patel said. “You know, prepare for your future, even if you are not going into finance, economics or politics, it’s just a good skill to have.”

The website gives students, whether they have economic or financial backgrounds or not, access to advice from professionals. These professionals can range from professors, accountants and financial advisors. To better understand the videos and interviews, there are courses to give overview and background. Soon, Patel and Jimenez connected with other schools such as East Chicago Central and Hammond Central High School that mostly have Spanish speaking students.

“I wanted to translate the interviews into Spanish in order to equitably expand access to this education that is so vital,” Jimenez said.

For the younger generation, both Patel and Jimenez plan to present to the eighth grade at Wilbur Wright Middle School. By taking advantage of the resources given to the student body, Sprout is supported in positive ways.

“Remember to sprout your future, harvest your success,” Patel said.