School-Based Enterprises
A school-based enterprise (SBE) is an entrepreneurial operation in a school setting that provides goods/services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are managed and operated by students as hands-on learning laboratories that integrate National Curriculum Standards in marketing, finance, hospitality or management.
SBEs provide realistic and practical learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction. SBEs can sell to consumers through a permanent location, a mobile kiosk or through Internet marketing. Products may include spirit wear, school supplies, signs and banners and more, while other SBEs provide services such as creative design, advertising sales and more.
School-based enterprises are effective educational tools in helping to prepare students for the transition from school to work or college. For many students, they provide the first work experience; for others, they provide an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills. While some in the education community have only recently discovered the value of school-based enterprises, educators and DECA advisors have used them as a powerful teaching tool for more than four decades.
DCHS Creative
DCHS Creative specializes in custom products that are designed, created, and produced by students. Students get to experience the designing side of digital arts, by creating custom prints for those interested. Some items produced are vinyl banners, yard signs, stickers, and more.
ANita Russell
Hawks Nest Press
Hawks Nest Press (HNP) specializes in custom products that are designed, created, and produced by students. Students get to experience the designing side, as well as the store front side. Products that you will find in the store include shirts, stickers, buttons, cups, banners, monograms, and more!
Teacher Q&A
How has HNP helped improve your classroom instruction?
SBE allows for more student led instruction.
How has HNP helped you as a teacher?
It puts more responsibility and preparation on the students.
How has HNP helped your students?
It has provided them with experience that they would not be able to get in a normal class setting.
How has HNP helped your school?
It has helped the school by providing in house services for printing needs such as banners and vinyl that would otherwise be going to an outside business.
Cougar Paws Dog Salon
Cougar Paws has been operating since 2022. This SBE is part of DCHS' Agriculture Program. These students get to get hands-on experience with grooming dogs. Cougar Paws Dog Salon will take in teachers' dogs on certain days of the week and are finished by the end of that day.
Ty Weaver
DC Laser Design
Laser engraving is straightforward from an operations perspective. Unlike other options, laser engraving does not have consumables like inks for printing or thread for embroidery. With this technology, students can learn and practice practical skills like project management, purchasing, pricing and promotion. Students also learn how to use job-ready tools. Each student can lean into one of the areas they are most interested in, but everyone has a chance to work on the technology.
Teacher Q&A
How has SBE helped improve your classroom instruction?
It allows students another opportunity for a work-based type learning.
How has SBE helped you as a teacher?
It keeps me on my toes and makes sure they have things to do and not have any free time.
How has SBE helped your students?
It helps students talk and work with others.
How has SBE helped your school?
We have given a huge service to the school and at a cheaper cost.
Stefan
Logan
