Washington Business Week: One of the Best Programs for Young Adults in the State!
For many years I was both a volunteer and employee of the Washington Business Week Program. Founded in 1976 at Central Washington University, it remains one of the most engaging and important experiential learning programs available to high school students here in the state of Washington. Since it’s inception the program has spread to numerous other states, Australia, New Zealand and it has even been conducted in Belarus.
So what is Washington Business Week? WBW is a week-long program conducted at four Washington State Universities. The student who attends the program will spend a week in the dormitory, work with a “company” of students he/she has never met on a fairly complicated business simulation, attend seminars, participate in a trade show, and much much more. Each student’s company is mentored by a business professional who volunteers a week of their time to guide the students.
I bump into people who attended WBW 20 years ago who still remember the “magic” of Business Week. For many kids it’s the first time they are away from home. For others, it’s a week that has a long-lasting impact on their lives. The adults who work with the students are so affected by the experience that many return year after year.
I can’t recommend WBW highly enough. Inglemoor High School consistently sends over 20 students to the program every summer. Here’s the good news: the cost to attend WBW is only $295 for the whole week which includes dorm room, food and program materials. Most of the cost is covered by corporate sponsorships by many Washington State Businesses. If you can’t afford the fee, financial help is available. Here’s the schedule for this summer:
Just think about it, your high school student can spend a week at one of four great schools: Gonzaga University, Central Washington University, Pacific Lutheran University or Western Washington University. If you want to send your student to WBW this summer (Freshmen through Seniors are welcome) please call the WBW office at 1 (800) 686-6442 or info@wbw.org.
