[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/HSBH08_final.jpg” caption=”Dean Paul Bates welcomes local high school students at the launch of High School Business Heroes.”]

The DeGroote School of Business is giving local high school students an up-close-and-personal introduction to the world of business — and a chance to win up to $2,000 in High School Business Heroes.

The competition, now in its second year, challenges students to develop a creative marketing campaign. The competition is open to high school students in the Hamilton and Halton areas and is sponsored by local Harvey's franchises.

The opening ceremonies were presented in partnership with the DeGroote Women in Management Association today at the DeGroote School of Business. These two student-run organizations have collaborated to develop an exciting and informative event for High School Business Heroes participants. This was the official launch of the High School Business Heroes competition and included workshops by industry professionals to educate and engage students in the world of business.

Last year, teams raised more than $8,000 for various charities throughout the competition. Students were required to develop a charitable marketing campaign, and the winning team was given funds from local Harvey's franchises to implement their proposed idea.

The high school students involved in the competition learned a lot from the competition.

“The program was a really fun way to learn all about business,” says Danica Karl, a member of the Pink Ladies, last year's winning team. “It allowed us to come up with our own ideas, work with them and finally put them into action, which was exciting.”

High School Business Heroes is a valuable learning experience for students, regardless of which subject areas students are interested in.

Student chair Kejina Robinson says, “High School Business Heroes is a great way for students to develop teamwork and presentation skills, and also gives them a chance to apply their creativity. Last year was a great success, and I look forward to seeing what great ideas this year's competitors will come up with!”

Registration will close following the opening ceremonies. Students will submit their projects by April 21 and the winners will be announced at the closing ceremonies scheduled to take place May 3.

More information regarding the competition as well as registration forms can be found online at: http://hsbh.degroote.mcmaster.ca.