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Innovative Program Gives CHS Students A Head Start
A trademark of the New York City Department of Education, Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set up by students, under the guidance of a teacher. Students participate in trading with other virtual businesses all over the world through the internet. No actual currency is exchanged but rather the transfer of funds is made electronically through a Web-based banking system. VE helps students to develop good work ethics, interperson-al skills and to learn all the characteristics of being an employee in a firm. It also allows students to experience all the aspects of working in the business field since the program covers accounting, human resources, marketing and sales. Canarsie High School's simulated business is called Music and Video Palace Inc. and it sells entertainment tools such as CDs, DVDs and I-Pods. This firm is linked to approximately 3,000 other international firms and has been profitable because students are exposed to different cultures, and this gives them a wider international outlook. In order to participate in VE, a student must have previously taken certain basic business courses. These courses include Computer Application, Career and Finance, and Entrepreneur-ship. When they reach the Virtual En-terprise program, they learn how a business works, the various careers associated with business, acquire global economic knowledge, and how to apply technology to business. Cherise Timmons, the program's coordinator, explained how beneficial VE would be for students in the future, "This program is good for students because upon leaving high school, they have attained a skill that would be necessary for careers later in their lives after high school. It also provides internships for students." The CEO of the virtual business at Canarsie High School, Azeez Ajimobi, also explained how the program has been beneficial to him, "I have learnt important business skills that I can use in life. I have also learnt good punctuality, teamwork and communication skills." VE students also participate in trade fairs that give students the chance to market their products in a competitive marketplace. Here they set up a booth and socialize with other firms from both on a national and international level. Canarsie High School has won many prizes in this event such as Best Sales Pitch and first place for Best Salesmanship. Canarsie is one of 53 high schools within New York City that offers this innovative program. So far, Virtual Enterprise has been successful in that it has produced successful businessmen and women. Students who have taken the course have developed good critical thinking skills, diligence and perseverance. And it is evident that these students have already made a step up the ladder to success.
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