Schools
National Conference Center Serves as a Living Classroom
Eighth graders from Belmont Ridge Middle School will continue to learn about the business world through March 2012.
The National Conference Center (NCC) partnered with Belmont Ridge Middle School, on Tuesday, for the fourth annual school business partnership.
The award-winning program gave eighth-grade students the chance to learn about business through six hands-on, behind-the-scenes lesson plans that deal with operations, business practices and key career skills.
During the one day event, students experienced many different aspects of running a business, including planning an event, marketing to customers, and practicing culinary techniques. They also learned the ins and outs of running a hospitality operation and the roles and responsibilities of different employees.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“This program is beneficial to students interested in a career in the hospitality industry, as well as those considering a different career path,” said NCC General Manager Kurt Krause. “The problem solving and application of classroom lessons in a real-life job setting will make them better students and employees no matter what field they go into.”
New in the 2011-2012 program was an introduction to key career skills termed the four “C’s”; communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. These skills, which employers deem a must for job applicants, are introduced during the program.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The program is part of NCC’s larger commitment to education. Each spring, the property hires interns from around the country who work in various departments throughout the property, collaborate on special projects and provide NCC with ideas to streamline various practices. In 2011, NCC hired two of the summer interns into full-time management positions.
“While there are high schools that partner with area businesses, we don’t know of any other programs of this type that involves middle school kids,” said Krause. “It’s important that children learn about business and career opportunities at a young age.”
Students will continue to meet at the NCC for the school business partnership until March 9, 2012. For more information about the program click here.
