Bear's Student Enterprises
What Happens When Students Run Businesses?
Starting in the 7th grade, students are given the unique opportunity to own and operate various business ventures right on campus. This practical application teaches middle schoolers the ins and outs of operating, marketing, and financing businesses, preparing them to succeed in the professional world.
Divisions of BSE Include:
BSE Café: Run by a cohort of students, the Aspen Academy café division offers an array of products at Aspen community events and gatherings including Fair Trade coffee and tea, breakfast items, and seasonal options. Through experiencing customer interactions and receiving training in marketing, client service, and financial management, students learn to assess market gaps and adapt their business strategies to current trends - ultimately bringing the mission and vision of Bear’s Student Entreprises to life.
BSE Store: Operating daily from 3:20-4:00 or 24/7 online, the Bear’s Student Store sells student-designed Aspen Academy apparel and merchandise. Throughout the year, students work with local vendors to design and produce new products based on customer surveys and feedback. Students are responsible for managing inventory, handling financial transactions, and promoting store specials. The store also proudly highlights products and services offered by recent alumni as well as Aspen’s own entrepreneurship community.
BSE Broadcast and Media Productions: Every other Friday, our students produce a live broadcast performance during the Aspen Morning Program (AMP’d), showcasing their public speaking, media savvy, and technical production skills on and off stage. The BSE Broadcast team is entirely responsible for filming, editing, and hosting AMP’d and work diligently to collaborate with each grade level to coordinate performances that highlight academic and personal growth, student milestones and achievements, and Aspen’s core values.
BSE Executive Team:
At the helm of Bear’s Student Enterprises, the BSE Executive Team plays a pivotal role in steering the operations and strategic direction of our student-run businesses. This student C-Suite team is responsible for overseeing different aspects of business operations, from financial management (CFO) to marketing strategies (CMO) to overall strategy and vision planning (CEO). In addition, each business is led by a division President who collaborates with the C-Suite team to execute on their vision and leave a lasting mark on Aspen Academy.
Key Responsibilities Include:
● Strategic Oversight: The team sets long-term goals and ensures that each business division aligns with the overarching objectives of Aspen Academy’s educational and entrepreneurial vision.
● Operational Management: Members monitor the day-to-day activities of their respective divisions, solving problems as they arise and ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
● Innovation and Growth: The Executive Team encourages innovation by fostering an environment where new ideas are discussed and tested. They implement new processes and products that can enhance the business and learning outcomes.
● Financial Stewardship: They oversee budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability of the enterprises.
● Communication and Reporting: The team regularly communicates with the Aspen Academy Board of Trustees, providing updates and comprehensive reports on the progress, challenges, and successes of BSE. This includes presenting annual financial statements and growth metrics.
● Mentorship and Training: Senior team members mentor newer members, sharing insights and experiences to foster a continuous learning environment.
By entrusting students with real responsibilities and leadership roles, Bear’s Student Enterprises not only provides invaluable business experience but also cultivates skills in leadership, teamwork, accountability, and strategic thinking. This model prepares our students not just for future careers but for active, thoughtful participation in any collaborative setting they might encounter.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES:
"BSE has helped me create my gluten free bakery. It has also helped me understand economics that most people going into the real world don't understand."- Katherine Leaffer, Aspen Academy Alumna
“BSE has prepared me for the future and high school beyond what I thought possible. I have learned all about running a business, teamwork, and organizing my time.”- Gwen FitzSimmons, Aspen Academy Alumna