Steve Davis
Portland Middle School
Portland, CT

About 10 years ago, local businesses asked Portland Middle School what it was doing to prepare its students for the world of work. At that time, the school did not have a workplace readiness program -- but that was about to change.

The entrepreneurship program was born, largely thanks to Steve Davis, the technical education teacher, and his colleague. "We developed the entrepreneurship curriculum when we talked to people in our town," explains Davis.

Now every eighth grader in the school takes the class. They discuss finding work, practice filling in applications and perform mock interviews. They also develop companies, and then make, market and sell products during a one-day sale set up in the school cafeteria.

Davis admits his program is a leap from a traditional curriculum. "There are not too many folks who do this," he says.

Throughout the program, students are tasked with developing and marketing their businesses. They advertise in the school and the community beyond. They also make the products in the school shop. Students have produced magazine racks, tea light candle holders, bird feeders, draft-stoppers for doors and stepping stones for the garden.

During the sale, the school cafeteria is set up like a shopping mall with each table serving as a store. Students sell their goods that day, but the work doesn't stop there. Students must draw on their math skills to figure out the profits.

A third of the profits are invested back into the program for future entrepreneurs. A third is donated to charity. The remaining money funds a congratulatory breakfast for the students with local dignitaries, a raffle and guest speakers.

Davis can see that his students are engaged in what they are doing because it is concrete. They can see what they are learning in school will help them later on in their career. "They are very proud of themselves and their accomplishments," he says.

Davis has run into former students working at banks, stores, restaurants, and in landscaping jobs. He often hears that the project they did in eighth grade motivated them in their careers. Feedback that his work has made a positive change in the lives of his students is the biggest reward.

"It doesn't get much better than that."

XAP and Bridges congratulate Steve Davis on his success in the unique entrepreneurship program, and for making a difference in the lives of his students.

Return to winners page >>