January 26, 2010 -The California State University, Bakersfield's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was awarded a $500 grant from the Helen Morgan Agency as part of The Allstate Foundation's "Agency Hands in the Community."  Morgan is an Allstate insurance representative in Bakersfield.

David Olson, CSUB management professor and SIFE team advisor, said, "SIFE is an incredible organization that involves community service while allowing the members to expand their knowledge of free enterprise. These funds will allow the team to compete with other schools and see what other teams are accomplishing."

The grant couldn't come at a better time. "With funding reductions, programs like SIFE are struggling to attend competitions," said Olson. "Contributions of all sizes help students accomplish their goals."

SIFE is a global non-profit organization active in more than 40 countries and funded by contributions from foundations, government agencies, individuals, corporations and entrepreneurs. Working in partnership with businesses and higher education, SIFE establishes student teams on university campuses.These teams develop community outreach projects and represent their universities in regional and national competitions relating to market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business ethics.