BizWorld Foundation to Los Gatos St. Mary's School: 'You're Hired!'

Third-graders 30 Lyndon Ave., are honing their business skills through a partnership with The BizWorld Foundation, the Catholic school announced in a press release.

In a real world simulation, the students are designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling a product as they learn what it takes to start and run a business, according to St. Mary's School Principal Karen Larson.

Students participate in all aspects of the business process as they incorporate their companies with the state, sell shares of their company, or stock, to raise BizBucks (the BizWorld currency), and track all corporate finances, Larson explained.

Educator Erika Freitas, who's helping with the program, said: "I was incredibly fortunate to have grown up with a father who not only was an entrepreneur and business owner but someone who taught me the importance of dedication and hard work needed to run your own business.

"As a teacher, it is great to see a program that teaches students the complexities of running a business effectively. It is amazing to see the level of commitment and problem solving that occur during our tri-weekly meetings as students form their own unique companies and go through all aspects of running a business."

Chief Operating Officer of The BizWorld Foundation April Bond said she was thrilled with the St. Mary’s partnership.

“We, at BizWorld, envision a society where every child is equipped with the skills needed to pursue a meaningful career and become a financially literate and self-sufficient contributor to their community," she said in the release. "We appreciate the support from St. Mary’s teachers and students in helping us to make this a reality.” 

BizWorld’s national board of directors will be visiting the school in the future to see the program in action and support the young entrepreneurs in starting their businesses.

The BizWorld Foundation’s mission is to challenge and engage children of all cultural and economic backgrounds through experiential learning programs that teach the basics of business, entrepreneurship, and money management and promote teamwork and leadership in the classroom.