Kids learn business in virtual world

Smack dab in the middle of Aiken High School, students will be selling cars, car accessories and insurance this semester on any given day.

None of it is real, of course, but teacher Travis Phillips’ virtual enterprise class is linked to real-world business and personal finance. They’ll interact with scores of other high schools on an online virtual network, making their own purchases as needed. Phillips said the students voted on the business, named by them Freebird, Inc., that they wanted to establish. They looked at a travel agency but decided the demand for those services would be limited. They also considered an apartment building but dismissed that as too complex and cumbersome. The students felt the online car sales business was the best fit.

Even the top executives in the business venture were chosen by real industry leaders in Aiken County, who interviewed candidates for each job. Senior T.J. Noyes, who served as chief financial officer for a virtual grocery store last year, was selected as the CEO for the current project.

“It was really eye-opening last year, learning how to run a business and dealing with people,” Noyes said. “The economic downturn will be reflected, and it will affect our prices and how much we make. With gas prices rising, we’ll put out a lot of fuel-efficient cars.”

Other key executives are Jamal Harris, president of accounting; Wayne Russell, the web designer and human resources president; and Brock McLeod, the marketing director. Harris’ interest is hereditary; his mom is an accountant.

“We’re sending out fliers to all the businesses across the country with promotional deals,” McLeod said. “This is a good experience. I’m not really looking to go into marketing, but it’s good to know more about it.”

The virtual enterprise class goes beyond the opportunity for business-related experiences.

“We dress for success once a week,” said Phillips. “The students also get a virtual paycheck and must manage a bank account and set up their personal expenses. Even for the kids who aren’t interested in the business field, they will learn how to manage their money. This is probably my best group yet. They’re very driven to try to make a profit.”

The class formally unveiled the project Friday. A day earlier, they were tweaking various aspects of their new business. Senior Lydia Brooks, the marketing vice president, was working on a computer with sophomore Quirby Gaffney.

“This basically enhances my computer skills,” said Brooks. “We had fun last year and even made a little bit of (virtual) money. I’ve gotten a lot out of this class.”

Contact Rob Novit at

rnovit@aikenstandard.com.