Rancho Cotate High School’s Virtual Enterprise Brings Home Three Awards

Turning two classrooms into workplaces that students virtually operate as businesses is one thing. Turning those student-selected businesses into award winners at the recent 8th Annual Bay Area Trade Show for Virtual Enterprise International is another matter — one that both Rancho Cotate High School its Virtual Enterprise classes recently earned recognition for.

One of 64 Virtual Enterprise Business operations represented at the day-long trade show held last week at the Oakland Conference Center, RCHS walked away with three awards. The Funny Face Place (fun lip-straw products) earned 7th place in the Human Resource Competition, and Sweet Baby Cakes (million dollar cupcakes) brought home a 10th place in the Human Resource Competition and an 8th place in the Booth Design competition.

 “The students did a great job and should be very proud of what they accomplished,” said Dennis Magatelli whose Social Science and Business credentials make it possible for RCHS seniors to earn Economics as well as elective credits for these classes. Juniors earn elective credits only.

These are the only Virtual Enterprise classes in Sonoma County to offer A-G category credits that are transferable to the California University system.

800 high school students from as far south as Long Beach and from as far north as Oregon filled the auditorium with their wares which ranged from organic honey products to a 1950s diner complete with poodle-skirted waitresses.

In order to attend the students had to raise the funds necessary to cover booth entry fees and transportation. Fundraising, they learned, is part of the cost of doing business.

The student/employees make all of the business 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 Magatelli brings to the virtual workplace. 

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.