Bridgeport High School smelled more like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory than the halls of academia this week as it launched its newest opportunity for student entrepreneurs.  As part of a statewide initiative, the career and technical education (CTE) classes have been challenged with creating simulated workplaces within the schools in order to better prepare students for the world of work.  

 

Students in the business, marketing, and finance classes began planning for their simulated workplace experience at the beginning of school year.  They brainstormed for types of businesses and how to structure a company that would ultimately involve nearly 175 students over the course of two semesters. After having the opportunity to buy hundreds of candy molds from a local business owner, they decided to make special occasion chocolate pops to sell in the school and community.

 

Classes began analyzing costs involved in opening a chocolate shop. Although they had a free foods lab at the school to use, they had some start-up costs including candy-making supplies, minimal equipment, and packaging.  They created an inventory system of the candy molds, which will be developed into a database with pictures next semester.  Ultimately, they plan to have a website through which customers can choose from various themed molds, chocolate flavors, delivery options and candy bouquets.

 

As part of their research prior to launching the business, they became well versed in sanitation and safety requirements, pricing strategies, promotional options, and how to write a business plan and operational manual.  Second semester, students will continue to develop the business and begin including scheduling, hiring and training procedures, OSHA certification, and job duties to the mix.  

 

For their first batch of chocolates pops, they focused on perfecting the production efficiency and making sure they had consistent quality.  Eventually, they hope to include additional flavor options such as mint, peanut butter, white chocolate and dark chocolate, but for now, they are primarily using milk chocolate.  Although production will continue throughout the school year, in-school sales to students will be limited to lunchtime on designated days.  

 

“We are hoping to be able to cater to school parties, other clubs and to the community at large,” said student Alden Smith. “The experience has been very educational.  We have learned all about entrepreneurship in class and it’s fun to start applying it to a real business.”

 

Earlier this year, the Special Education department started an in-school coffee cart business for teachers. The new agricultural program will soon begin work on its greenhouse, which will also provide real-world work experience.  Tribe Treats will be the third program within the school that gives students professional skills that are transferrable to the workplace after high school.  Students will be completing job applications and conducting interviews to determine positions within the company.

 

“Tribe Treats, our chocolate shop, gives us a realistic idea of what it takes to own a business,” said student Dakota Hitt.  “We will be developing our organizational structure and company policies throughout the spring semester and growing the business once we get it off the ground.  We are learning a lot about working together and how to reduce waste in order to maximize profit.”

 

All profits from the sale of chocolate treats will help BHS DECA students attend international competitions, complete community service projects and promote their suicide prevention program.  Orders and inquiries can be sent to bhstribetreats@gmail.com.