About
The Enterprise America program, an exciting hands-on program for middle-school students, is available to public, private, parochial and charter schools. The first of its kind in New York State, the program involves classroom instruction, with teachers using curriculum aligned to state and 21st Century learning standards provided by WCNY. Following the completion of classroom study, students embark on the Enterprise America experience, spending a day in WCNY’s Enterprise America City, which they are responsible for operating.
In the City
Students apply the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and financial and civic literacy skills they have learned to run the city’s 12 businesses and City Hall, becoming business entrepreneurs and employees, consumers and citizens.
A Business-to-Business Economy
Students eat their lunches and purchase, with Enterprise America dollars they have earned, healthy snacks in the Enterprise America cafe. They shop in the city’s retail businesses, contribute a portion of their salaries to charity and experience the dangers of texting while driving, using auto simulators. It’s a business-to-business economy, where each student-run company strives to generate enough revenue to pay off its business loan. Students communicate, collaborate and problem solve. In Enterprise America’s real-world, hands-on learning environment, students do the work, make the decisions and learn what careers may demand of them when they enter the workplace. By putting into practice the skills that 21stcentury businesses expect employees to possess, students realize the importance of staying in school for long-term success.
After the Experience
Following the Enterprise America experience, students return to their classrooms where teachers utilize post-experience curriculum to have students write about their job performance, analyze their business operations and calculate and chart survey data. Pre and post program components aid in student assessment. Enterprise America is also an excellent way to engage students in project-based learning.
Partners and Participation
WCNY is proud to partner with OCM BOCES and encourages all OCM BOCES component districts to participate in the Enterprise America program. Cross-contract participation and statewide Cooperative Services (Co-Ser) assistance is available to eligible schools. Charter schools, private and parochial schools and other schools unable to participate in their local BOCES organization, must contact the Enterprise America Manager for enrollment information.
Enterprise America for Middle Schools
To Enroll
Step 1: All schools including public, private, parochial, charter and those unable to participate in their local BOCES should contact the Enterprise America Manager with any program questions or to schedule a tour.
Step 2: Acquire all necessary approval from administration including your district’s finance department.
Step 3: Fill out the date request form.
WCNY is always looking for compassionate and engaging individuals, who enjoy working with students, to help out with the Enterprise America program.
Spend the day in the Enterprise America City at WCNY! Work as a business volunteer with a small group of middle school aged students to help guide and support them when they need a little help. Learn more about being an Enterprise America volunteer from these helpful resources:
Other Volunteer Opportunities
To receive updates on volunteer opportunities with WCNY, please complete the volunteer form.
