Herricks High School’s Virtual Enterprise class recently participated in the New York State online tradeshow. Virtual Enterprise is an international program, with participating schools from around the world. In this program, each class develops a business concept, creates a virtual company, and manages its operations—without physically producing the product.

Schools from across Long Island gathered for an online tradeshow where student-run firms had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to one another. As students from other schools joined our virtual meeting, they were welcomed by the firm’s CEO, before being assigned to a breakout room with a member of the sales team. There, the sales representative worked diligently to pitch the firm’s product. Each company is managed by a C-suite team, with departments dedicated to marketing/IT, sales, accounting and human resources—all working collaboratively to ensure the firm’s success.

This online event also serves as a preparation for the in-person tradeshow events that will take place later in the year. The executive teams from each firm will attend these in-person events, setting up booths to present their business plans and further promote their products.

The Virtual Enterprise program excels at helping students develop valuable professional skills they will carry with them into college and their careers. Our students have already demonstrated a strong understanding of what it takes to run a successful business, and this knowledge will continue to grow throughout the year.

Thank you to Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Botta for making this class both engaging and rewarding for our students!