Sixth Grade Learns about Life at Enterprise Village

Shorecrest sixth graders recently spent a day at Enterprise Village - the culmination of a weeks-long financial literacy and RRI project, and months of preparation with their social studies teacher, Mr. Nelson. In this simulated “mini-city” students take on specific occupations - ranging from Mayor and Bank Teller to Radio DJ and Store Manager - gaining hands-on experience in how a community functions. Their excitement was evident upon arrival, balanced with a touch of nervous energy as they stepped into their first “jobs.”

Throughout the day, students run businesses by managing inventory, setting prices, and providing customer service, while also earning paychecks to deposit at the bank. They make financial decisions, choosing whether to open a savings account or spend their income on food at the student-run McDonald’s or other merchandise.

Enterprise Village in Pinellas County was the first of its kind in the nation when it opened in 1989, and it remains a rite of passage for local students. This experience ties in perfectly with the Ross Roeder Institute curriculum in middle school.