ENTERPRISES feature son and his students to purchase materials for other projects and give the students the opportunity to work on more large-scale projects throughout the program. For the past four years, they have been constructing hunting houses and utility buildings. The original plans for the structures came from Lowe’s Home Improvement, but the
for their DECA chapter. Starting an SBE seemed like the perfect solution.The Tee Pee is a store run by marketing and CPE students at Itawamba. “The Tee Pee was started literally in a small tutoring room,” said Holland. “Mrs. Prestige and I donated the paint and shelves to begin with and grew from there.” “The students love The Tee Pee,” said Holland. “They get hands-on experience and are able to apply many
“Typically, these students would not have the opportunity to work on such large-scale projects. Taking custom orders from the public has not only given them this opportunity, but it has also taught the students how to solve problems and think like entrepreneurs.” students make modifications to accommodate customers’ requests. Jackson said that his students know that the quality of their work is a reflection on the entire program, so they hold each other accountable. They are also connecting with their community and learning the importance of customer service and meeting deadlines. “Promoting safety and building students’ self-esteem and confidence is one of our goals,” Jackson added. Typically, these students would not have the opportunity to work on such large-scale projects. Taking custom orders from the public has not only given them this opportunity, but it has also taught the students how to solve problems and think like entrepreneurs. Students who complete the program in their junior year also have the opportunity to come back and manage construction projects by enrolling in Career Pathway Experience in their senior year. The skills they master in this program will not go to waste, for entrylevel carpentry jobs in Mississippi are projected to grow nearly 26% by 2020. When students complete this program, they are well prepared for work in the field. And for those interested in postsecondary programs, Jackson said that it is not unusual for completers of his program to enter the Construction Engineering Program at Northeast Mississippi Community College after graduation. The Tee Pee Itawamba Agricultural High School Lori Holland and Sandy Prestige, instructors at Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, understand the importance of teaching students how to think like entrepreneurs. Both instructors have a background in marketing, and Holland also supervises the Career Pathway Experience (CPE) program, which helps students find employment that is relevant to their career objectives. In addition to providing students with entrepreneurial and hands-on work experience, Holland and Prestige wanted a permanent fundraiser
business and marketing concepts. It is a great example of starting small and building a business from nothing.” The Tee Pee is located in the high school and sells school supplies, spirit items, and small gift items. The store is open before school, at lunch, and after school, and according to Holland and Prestige, it has been a success for DECA and the school as a whole. “Students know The Tee Pee is there for their convenience, and they buy many of their school supplies in our establishment,” said Holland. Money raised by The Tee Pee is used to assist students with DECA competition and other field trips associated with the CPE and marketing classes, and some funds are reinvested into the store. The first recommendation that Holland gives to anyone wanting to start an SBE is, “Don’t be afraid.” She added that one of the most important decisions when starting an SBE is determining how the finances will be handled. “Deciding where the money will be deposited and how payments will be made is crucial,” Holland emphasized. The teachers also suggest establishing a business plan just as you would when starting any business, saying, “It is extra work, but after a while, things flow fairly simply.” THS Wave Zone Tupelo Career and Technical Center The Tupelo Career and Technical Center (TCTC) shows school spirit by selling merchandise in the THS Wave Zone. Started in 2010, the store is run by marketing teacher Brookes Prince’s and CPE teacher Christy Jordan’s classes. Working in the store coincides with the marketing and CPE curricula, giving the students hands-on experience. Firstyear students are allowed to help with inventory and setting up the store, and second-year students are trained on and allowed to work the cash register. All students’ input is considered when choosing products to sell. Fall 2013 CONNECTIONS 15