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On Tuesday, April 21, twelve (12) Oklahoma State Cowboys met at the Oklahoma State University Wes Watkins Center to discuss volunteering to inspire Oklahoma elementary students big dreams as a part of Sammy Rabbit’s Dream Big Day initiative. The pilot initiative is a collaboration between Oklahoma State University’s Service Learning Volunteer Center and “It’s a Habit,” a Los Angeles Based microenterprise and creator’s of the children storybook character Sammy Rabbit. The primary purposes of the innovative financial literacy and reading strategy are to:

1. Inspire kids to dream big and have high expectations

2. Teach kids great money habits and reading habits

3. Get kids thinking about college and goal setting

The initiative also has an optional entrepreneurial and cause marketing component. This option will place copies of the strategic storybook Sammy’s Big Dream in the homes of children at a discount while raising money for local causes.

The kickoff training event was attended by Cowboys from a variety of colleges and countries.  Students were introduced to the initiative and the resources they will use to inspire kids to dream big. One of the activities everyone enjoyed was learning the two Sammy signature songs Get in the Habit and S-A-V-E.

The next day, a sophomore from Ponca City, Oklahoma who participated in the training, stopped by the Service Learning Volunteer Center to report, “The songs were catchy. I could not get them out of my head!” Other students also shared their enthusiasm for the initiative. They indicated they look forward to reading and singing with kids and even bringing the experience to their native countries.

All Cowboys who are interested in reading, singing and talking to children about their big dreams and great money habits are welcome to participate in the project. Students may want to check with faculty for credit bearing courses in general education and other areas for innovative frameworks for learning.

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The lead it yourself strategy is fun and easy to execute. So, Cowboys who want to volunteer on this unique educational empowerment initiative should stop by the Oklahoma State University Service Learning Volunteer Center, 211G Student Union.  And be sure to ask for a custom Sammy Rabbit-OSU Cowboy Dream Big T-Shirt! The goal is to take the program statewide, nationwide and around the globe! Let’s think-do-impact!

Reading and Resources
OSU Service Learning Volunteer Center (SLVC) Partners with the Dream Big Day Campaign
Centsable Cowboys – Financial Literacy Volunteerism

FREE Dream Big Day Experience Resources | Compliments OSU Service Learning Volunteer Center