NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2021 – Virtual Enterprises International (VEI), a national nonprofit that teaches students how to start and run a simulated business together as a class, announced today that the VE-JV students at Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School received top honors in its National Elevator Pitch Competition for their simulated business, A Cookie in Between, a company they operate from their classroom. The business was the only junior high school in the nation that finished in the top 10 percent of the 172 competition entries received for the National Elevator Pitch Competition.
Through the VE-JV program, the students created A Cookie in Between, a virtual business dedicated to allergy-sensitive baked goods that are nut-, dairy- and egg-free. In October, the students entered their business in VEI’s National Elevator Pitch Competition, which challenges VE and VE-JV students to make a convincing, engaging elevator pitch to an angel investor in 60 seconds or less through a video submission.
The two-year VE-JV Career Academy enables 7th and 8th graders to develop technology and entrepreneurial skills by starting and managing business ventures. It engages students in fun and exciting competitions as well as after-school activities that build 21st century skills in business, communication, and technology.
The VE-JV Career Academy is the junior high school counterpart to the VE program, where high school students create a business and role-play corporate jobs as they work to keep their business profitable. Through the program, they develop business plans, participate in trade shows and conduct business transactions with virtual companies run by other students across the country. Over 200,000 students have gone through the VE program since its inception in 1996.
ABOUT VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES INTERNATIONAL
Virtual Enterprises International (VE) is a national nonprofit that transforms students through authentic business experiences which prepare them for fulfilling, financially secure futures. Since Virtual Enterprises’ (VE) inception in 1996, it has served more than 200,000 high school and middle school students, including many from economically disadvantaged communities.
VE provides a solution for schools to offer all students meaningful skills-based career experiences. Through our hands-on, task-based curricula, aligned to the VE Career Readiness Framework, students test drive potential careers and develop in-demand skills and competencies that post-secondary institutions and employers are seeking. By managing the day-to-day operations of a company, students not only develop business skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, they also identify career pathways that align with their interests, talents, and aspirations.We annually support 20,000+ students across the U.S. each year and are part of a global network spanning 40+ countries and 7,000+ student-run businesses. Learn more about VE on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.