Edison High School business students Michael William Crowley, left, and Mandeep Singh display “Santa’s Chocolate Factory” at the school’s Business Expo. Their business features handmade chocolate lollipops cast in holiday-themed designs. PHOTO BY KAITLYN NAGURKA OF THE EDISON HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA ACADEMY EDISON — A program at Edison High School is giving students a jumpstart into the business world.
For three years, economics teacher Rosie Uyola has held entrepreneurship and business classes that culminate in a Business Expo at the school, with this year’s taking place on Dec. 19.
“It was this really wonderful event that allowed the business students at Edison High School to explore entrepreneurship,” she said.
The students were challenged to come up with a type of business that would serve the school community.
“It had to be something that they created on their own,” Uyola said. “So whether it was handmade jewelry or a photo booth with professional retouching or a soda shop, they all had to think about what kind of small business they would want to open up.”
The students created business and marketing plans, and spent time learning how to design original logos. They also talked about packaging design.
They filmed and edited their own commercials, placing them on YouTube. In addition, students created websites that included photo galleries and price sheets for the products, Uyola said.
The students had to do market research to determine how much their peers would be willing to pay for the products and services, which involved using statistics.
“It was a really great opportunity for students to start their own businesses that they can hopefully continue long after the expo is finished,” Uyola said. “It’s been a blast, and the kids really love it. It allows them to grow and be creative and work in collaborative learning groups with one another and help each other. It gives them the tools that they can use later in life.”
She said several students from the two previous expos have continued their businesses, selling on virtual marketplaces such as eBay and throughout Edison.
“One student from last year created her own vintage clothing store that she continues to sell online,” Uyola said. “Another group of students will be pursuing culinary arts, so they created vegan baked goods, and they hope to grow the business venture. I hope to see them on the Food Network one day.
“Another group of students started a protein shake and smoothie delivery service, and they are going to deliver protein shakes and smoothies to the sports teams after school and before classes and games. It’s such a cool idea. They’re using real fresh fruit and protein and high-quality products, and they only charge the students $2.”
In addition to learning about making a profit, students are taught to use social entrepreneurship to raise awareness, be creative and give back to the community. As part of that, the students donate 10 percent of profits to their senior prom.
The entire school was invited to attend the expo. Tables were transformed into booths at which teachers, faculty, staff and students were able to purchase the handmade items and services. Offerings included photography, winter wear, handmade greeting cards, and many customizable and personalized items.
Students from Uyola’s multimedia class documented the event with photos and videos.
To prepare for the expo, Edison High School’s business department partnered with students at Princeton University in a program called Moneythink. Economics students from Princeton mentored the younger students. Uyola noted that one of the college students, Scott Wise, coached them on failed techniques and how to prepare for marketing campaigns, collaborating with her on several lessons.
“Twenty-first century careers are going to be so different than the 20th century, and we need to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities to do authentic things, to market, to sell and to really understand what business is,” Principal Charles Ross said.
Ross noted that the Business Expo and many programs at the school are designed to give students an authentic experience, allowing them to speak from a position of knowledge after they graduate.
“It’s all about what’s real for them — and when they can partake in a real activity and see the tangible results, it makes it concrete for them,” he said.