Cookies, Capital and Competition

Seventh grade students at Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District’s H.B. Mattlin Middle School recently began a business simulation to learn the basics of entrepreneurship, business and finance. This real-world project-based learning program created and organized by family and consumer sciences teacher Susan Epstein, offers students the opportunity to learn how to start and operate their own business. Working in teams of five, students start, fund and run their own company in the Mason Jar Cookie Mix industry. All decisions the companies make are entirely student-driven. The students decide everything from what to name their company to how many products to make and how much to charge for them.

The program culminates with the Gourmet Cookie Mix Sales Bazaar, where students sell their products to actual customers - other students, staff and community members. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Plainview, NY. Students will compete to raise the most funds for the cause.

For more information regarding Plainview-Old Bethpage School District and more District happenings, please visit pobschools.org.

Photo 1: Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Assistant H.B. Mattlin Middle School Principal Beth Torreano (right) poses with student Stephanie Axelrod at the Gourmet Cookie Mix Sales Bazaar where students sold products to customers as part of an entrepreneurship competition and learning exercise.

Photo 2: A group of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District H.B. Mattlin Middle School Students take a group photo during the Gourmet Cookie Mix Sales Bazaar where students sold products to customers, while learning the basics of entrepreneurship, business and finance.