San Leandro's Next Business Generation Takes Stage

The next generation of San Leandro entrepreneurs took to the stage at the Arts Education Center last week, when the high school's Academy for Business & Finance had its first business plan contest.

Eleven students presented business plans to three judges: Assistant School District Superintendent Debbie Wong, retired San Leandro Police Department Captain Pete Ballew and entrepreneur Katie Knox of Rose Gate Assisted Living facility.  

The state-of-the-art facilities at the AEC gave the students the perfect venue to showcase their plans.

“Being able to have our students present in such a professional environment really raises the bar," said Academy teacher Mary Styner, adding that "when the bar is raised, the students rise to the occasion.” 

The judges had the difficult task of selecting three students who will take their plans to the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) regional semi-final competition in San Francisco on May 12th.  

Winners at the semi-finals will compete in the regional finals for the Bay Area at Univeristy of San Francisco on May 31st -- and possibly go on to the national competition in New York City in the fall.

Last week's three winners were:

1st - Vergel Marinas: LEARN IT NOW tutorial service for teens

2nd - Emely Perez: GENUINE BAGS Custom designed bags for the fashion conscious

3rd - Amany Jama: GO TECH - Computer tutoring for the older novice user

The San Leandro High School Academy for Business and Finance is a partnership between public education and the business community. The three-year program provides academic classes as well as technical training in entrepreneurship, marketing and business management.

Academy student Osa Aihie recently sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout the greater Bay Area.

The program, which has been in operation for 23 years, needs professionals to help evaluate student portfolios and career readiness on May 24th. 

Interested?  Contact Mary Styner at mrstyner@hotmail.com.

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