College students recently showed up to class at Hoxsie Elementary School.

This year marks the fourth that the school has partnered with Brown University through Junior Achievement Rhode Island – a multigenerational experience that Hoxsie students look forward to year after year – for “Junior Achievement Day,” in which college students teach youngsters about entrepreneurship, business, work readiness, and finances.

Teaching age-appropriate and relevant skills, 23 Brown University students who represent the college’s wrestling team spent time in each classroom, working with students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The “Hoxsie Hawks” had something to show for their efforts. At the end of the daylong event, they received a hard-earned “diploma” from the Junior Achievement program, certifying them as having successfully completed the program and associated classwork by demonstrating knowledge of economics, career options, the democratic process and the makeup of city and suburban areas. The program aims to inspire children to seize opportunities while they are also learning the realities of work in the 21st-century world.

The Junior Achievement Rhode Island organization, based in Warwick, provides a wonderful opportunity for the young students to get to know and learn from older students, Principal Gary McCoombs said.

He said the program “is really special, because it’s a two-way relationship,” with strong, lasting partnerships.

Each year, McCoombs said, he sees the faces of Hoxsie students light up with excitement when the visitors arrive and spend the day.

He said the Brown University students serve as “great role models” for the elementary students, and Junior Achievement Day is an enriching experience the entire Hoxsie community always fondly looks forward to.