Description
The primary purpose of the Foundation is Washington Business Week (WBW)designed to present an educational program that immerses high school students in the "world of business and entrepreneurship" at a summer residential camp on one of four university campuses. The program objectives are to build and heighten students' understanding of the value and importance of business skills and principles; to engage students in business models of entrepreneurship and the free enterprise; and to help students explore and develop their capacity and talents. Diverse groups of 10-12 students(working in student-led teams as simulated companies) mentored by volunteer advisors from the business community work together throughout the week. In general assemblies, students(an average of 250 students attend each session) engage with community leaders and are introduced to business principles, leadership guides, entrepreneurship skills, teamwork and community building activities, networking and self promotion tips, creativity and innovations skills and other life skills. The teams use the curriculum and presented material to complete "company" activities and address a variety of team and presentation challenges. At the end of the week each team participates in two culminating projects - a stockholders' presentation and a trade show production - both of which are judged by business representatives from the business community.
The model's safe and supportive engagement process and environment helps students realize unknown potential, test new skills, connect academic work with real life experience and identify opportunities for future exploration. Repeatedly, alumni describe their time at a WBW event as a life changing experience which encouraged them to stay in school and helped themmake significant strides to support their efforts to make intentional choices regarding their next steps in academic and career preparation. Many of the alumni also credit their Business Week experience as their first step to defining a career with a level of business focus.
The program works with educators to supplement their knowledge and skills to educate our future business leaders and create business friendly curriculum that provides real life experience and encourages students to use their newly developed skills to build their own and their peers' communities through increased student learning activities in business and economic development.
In addition, the WBW program provides hands on leadership and professional skills development for the Company Advisors who mentor the various student teams. This program element helps individuals and companies strengthen their business leadership and operation capacity with the help of strong and intentional leaders.
