Hampton Bays High School’s new Virtual Enterprise program has already made significant strides. For the first time ever, VE students competed in the championship round of the VE International Business Plan Competition.

Students Chris Clinton, Victoria Madison and Max Reilly advanced to the competition following previous rounds where they presented their virtual business plan. Their business focuses on selling carbon-filter straws with flavor pod inserts, which are used to filter tap water while adding exciting flavors to provide a low-cost solution to millions of Americans who lack access to safe, clean drinking water. The students also created a prototype for their product using a 3D printer and recycled plastic.

“They did an unbelievable job with their business plan and presentation,” said VE teacher Frank Verdone. “I was so impressed by their creativity, professionalism and entrepreneurial mindsets.”

Now in its second year, the student-centered and -led VE class introduces high schoolers to the world of business and provides them with the opportunity to create a virtual business from the ground up. They start with an idea, develop a business plan, and eventually build the business and manage its daily operations. The program also takes them beyond their own schools as they interact with other VE firms and students across the world and participate in VE competitions.

“It’s an incredible way to introduce students to the world of business and get a feel for what it would be like to be an entrepreneur,” said Verdone.

Students also attend VE trade shows, including the International Trade Show at the Javitz Center and the Long Island Trade Show at the LIU, where they set up booths to showcase their products and businesses while interacting with VE students from other schools. In addition, they attended the Winning Women Leadership Conference at the Mastercard Tech Hub. Students Natali Baculima, Natalie Castano and Victoria Madison were selected to attend the conference and heard from successful female business leaders across various industries.

“The Winning Women Conference allowed me to connect and collaborate with so many other girls who have similar dreams,” said VE student Victoria Madison. “It was a really fulfilling experience that helped me to further my knowledge of business and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to go.”

Date Added: 3/1/2024