Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Thursday, May 22
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Schools»EPHS entrepreneurial program has evolved
    Schools

    EPHS entrepreneurial program has evolved

    It aims to help position students to successfully tackle emerging business challenges
    Vijay B. DixitBy Vijay B. DixitOctober 18, 2021Updated:June 5, 20223 Mins Read
    Robb Virgin, principal at Eden Prairie High School.

    Innovation and entrepreneurship are not new to Eden Prairie High School (EPHS).

    The school’s business and marketing curriculum aims to prepare students for a smooth transition into business schools. They expect students to leave EPHS equipped with a solid foundation of business and marketing skills with the ability to sharpen them as they climb up the learning ladder.

    Successful programs such as DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) have been running for several years at EPHS, engaging sophomore to senior-level students in activity-based skill development.

    Now a new curriculum is cooking on the front burner at EPHS. The head chef is Principal Robb Virgin. He is joined by Karen Brettingen, Shelly Streich, Margot Cowing, and Rachel Hari, all part of the school’s business faculty. They are all collaborating to bring the curriculum to perfection.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    The entrepreneurial program has evolved at EPHS. A re-imagined curriculum has been developed and is under deployment during the current fall session. Its mission is to position students to successfully tackle the emerging challenges in the business landscape.

    Virgin explained what prompted the school to expand the entrepreneurship course from a single term to a full two terms. “It was done in response to student feedback from last year,” he said.

    According to Virgin, there are two components of the new course.

    During the course, “kids kind of veer off into profit (driven) entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship,” he said. The intent is to expose students to real-life situations and experiences encountered in non-profit and for-profit organizations.

    Virgin plans to invite several practitioners from both for-profit and non-profit organizations to come as guest speakers/instructors for a day to accomplish that. He expects such an approach to work to the benefit of both students and guest speakers alike.

    Students will get an understanding of how businesses operate, he said. The knowledge and insights students gain by interacting with speakers from various businesses would help them chart out their own future career road maps.

    On the other hand, guest speakers will find value in experiencing the temperaments and work ethics of the nation’s future workforce in the making, Virgin added. That knowledge could compel them to alter their market and business strategies as well as operational plans. He added it would be rather difficult to acquire similar knowledge by other means.

    Based on what the guest speakers see, they may also choose to continue their engagement with the program, he said. Virgin believes the speakers could decide on “developing more projects with the teacher.”

    In addition to the entrepreneurial course, Virgin also described another program at EPHS that offers opportunities for business owners to work with the school’s Senior Intern Program.

    He referred to the program’s impressive footprint in the corporate arena.

    Virgin stated there are about 200 students registered in a year-long program. He cited the Minnesota Twins and 3M being among businesses accepting EPHS students to intern with them.

    Editor’s note: Vijay Dixit is chairman of the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit advocating distraction-free driving. He is also a board member of Eden Prairie Local News, as well as a contributor.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFinish sidewalk along stretch of road
    Next Article Eden Prairie Library is expanding hours

    More to READ

    4 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Campus Honor Roll

    May 17, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Learning beyond walls: Forest Hills students thrive in outdoor spaces

    May 13, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.