Google’s Community Leaders Program select Loyola students to teach locals about useful online resources.

The students involved in the program would teach small business owners and entrepreneurs online tools that would help his or her business succeed.

The program involves local students who go through training in order to help their assigned target.

Other universities represented through the program include Tulane University, Dillard University, Xavier University and University of New Orleans.

“It’s a cross-section of students from all different disciplines,” Jennifer Holland, the Google Community Leaders Program coordinator, said.

“The mission is to create a sustainable web ecosystem by connecting businesses with student talent at our universities,” she said.

“Students committed more than 2,300 hours of volunteer work in the city and got 160 businesses using online tools,” Holland said.

She also said that students in the past conducted 30 trainings, established relationships with 10 partner organizations in the city, and they all wanted the students back for the following year. Holland said the organizations wanted the students back for the following year.

“It’s really successful, and as a result we’re expanding the program to two other cities this year: Kansas City and Austin,” Holland said.

Keigan Stacho, accounting junior, joined the program to gain more experience.

“I already have some under my belt. I want to get so much more experience and Google can pioneer that,” Stacho said.

Stacho said new additions have been made to the program including eight new schools to the roster.

“We’re basically going to show them through Google Hangout and Google Earth, how they can use Google Hangout to not only connect with local troops but national troops and then expand that to international,” he said.

Kamaria Monmouth, mass communication senior, said she believes the program is beneficial to New Orleans and Loyola as a way to connect.

“I would really like to be able to network with those businesses to help actually encourage small businesses to get online,” she said.

Monmouth said her reasons for participating include experience and development of public relations skills.

Monmouth is a member of marketing and communications team in the program.

They coordinate all communications for the other sectors of the program. They plan on currently working to setup Startup Weekend.

“That’s basically where a bunch of different entrepreneurs get together for 48 hours and they come up with business ideas,” Monmouth said.

Monmouth and Stacho said they believe that other students should get involved with the Community Leaders Program.

“When the opportunity presents itself, apply. Do whatever you can to get into this program,” Stacho said.

Raven Richard can be reached at [email protected]