High School's Virtual Enterprise Class Fundraiser Fosters Entrepreneurship and More

The future is already at Rancho Cotate High School (RCHS) where students can enter a classroom that turns into a workplace, literally, for a virtual business the student/employees own and operate themselves.

In the school’s two Virtual Enterprise classes, which are the only ones in Sonoma County that offer A-G category credits that are transferrable to the California University system, students completely run a simulated business of their choosing.

This year’s businesses are "Sweet Baby Cakes” which offers cupcakes that are worth their weight in gold and “Funny Face Place” which promises happy faces for those who use their creative lip-straw products.

The student/employees make all of the decisions, from how they will market their products to how they will manage their budgets (and staff) and what celebrations, if any, they will have. They also make all of the hiring choices besides that of the CEO. Students who apply for the CEO spot are interviewed by an independent local banker who is among the many real business professionals Teacher Dennis Magatelli brings to the virtual workplace. Other business professionals who have visited this virtual workplace include marketing specialists and members of the media.

 “These classes are valuable because they allow high school students to ‘get a taste’ of what a workplace, be it blue collar of white collar, is like,” said Magatelli whose Social Science and Business credentials make it possible for RCHS seniors to earn Economics as well as elective credits. Juniors earn elective credits only.

In this classroom workplace Magatelli is a consultant who facilitates the Virtual Enterprises International program. Through a task-based curriculum and hands-on activities, the program offers learning opportunities about business, entrepreneurship, finance, economics and technology. Each virtual company can connect with other student virtual companies nationally and internationally.

On the local level both classes will participate in the annual Trade Fair held in the East Bay. They will be among more than 75 virtual businesses expected to participate IF they can raise enough money to cover their travel and exhibit expenses.

To do that, each class has plans for several fundraisers throughout the academic year. The first fundraiser will be taking place on Thursday, November 17 in Rohnert Park. The Funny Face Place’s fundraising team set up a Dine and Donate opportunity at Chili’s Restaurant that day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. In order for the class to receive 15% of gross sales diners must use the designated coupon. Coupons can be found at various business sights throughout Rohnert Park and Cotate and they are also available at the school A printable version appears at  http://ow.ly/7itPL.