The SIFE program is usually sponsored by a faculty person from the business, economics, or social science department. However, strong leadership may come from any area of the school and it takes precedents over other consideration. Each school determines the local sponsor for their S I FE group. One faculty advisor and four student leaders are invited to the fall orientation. Usually a good program involves 20-30 students with some colleges having groups of over 100.
Students become actively involved in the free enterprise system and learn from hands-on experience.
SIFE creates an atmosphere of cooperation, creativity, competition, and awareness of the free enterprise system. SIFE members have an edge in the competitive job market as a result of their experiences and relationships with the business community. Each SIFE program develops an advisory council of area business leaders. This advisory council provides advise and direction and along with the college students in SIFE promotes economic awareness projects in the business community that better educates voters and students. There are no membership fees required to participate in the national SIFE organization.