×

Symposium offers opportunity to learn

With all the talk of changing school curriculum to provide a taste of the business world to high school students, it is nice to see some in our area have had such an opportunity for quite some time already.

For the last couple of decades, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce has offered its High School Business Symposium to local high school juniors, introducing them to representatives of our area’s business community who instruct them in the ways of business, including budgeting, marketing, product development and how to perform in a job interview.

Now named in honor of the late Barbara A. Matey, a longtime educator and businessperson, the symposium began with a focus on the four high schools in Hancock and Brooke counties, but in recent years has grown to include schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Each year, 120 high school juniors take part, dressing as if they were in a professional setting, to learn some of the skills they may need in the future.

They are guided by facilitators from area businesses, who volunteer their time for the full-day seminar, and take part in hands-on exercises that bring together the lessons of the day.

This year’s symposium, held Friday at the Serbian-American Cultural Center, was made possible through support from Starvaggi Charities, ArcelorMittal USA, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, First Microloan of West Virginia, Hancock County Savings Bank, Hancock School Employees Federal Credit Union, McDonald’s, Med-Express Urgent Care and the West Virginia University Extension Office.

The business world is constantly changing, leading students to have to learn more in order to be prepared for their days after high school.

We are thankful that, in our area our high school students have such an opportunity through the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and its High School Business Symposium.

We thank them for continuing to offer such a beneficial program, and hope to see it continue for years to come.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today