A team of young entrepreneurs from Fountain Valley High School has placed fifth in a state battle of simulated businesses. Now their virtual enterprise will be pitted against others at a national competition in New York.
Virtual enterprise courses encourage students to create and run their own mock companies. Working under the guidance of a business partner, students write professional business plans, manage personnel needs, apply for financing and prepare oral and written sales pitches that are presented at competitions.
The Fountain Valley High students are enrolled in a virtual enterprise class through Coastline ROP. They dubbed their company Off the Grid and came up with a plan to produce a virtual clothing line capable of charging electronic devices through kinetic energy.
Led by teacher Sarah McCance, the team finished fifth at the Virtual Enterprises International California State Trade Show in Bakersfield on Jan. 19. The school is now one of six in the state to advance to the National Business Plan Competition, which will be held in April at the Microsoft Technology Center in New York.
Principal Dr. Morgan Smith said the team’s success shows that future business leaders are getting their start at Fountain Valley High School.
“We could not be more proud of the hard work and passion our students have,” Smith said, “and their ‘Off the Grid’ enterprise is receiving the credit they deserve.”
To learn more about Virtual Enterprises International, visit the organization’s website.