Students interested in postsecondary education and careers in accounting, entrepreneurship, information system management, human resources, market research, sales management, finance and tax preparation will take five pathway courses and up to six related electives. In addition to mentorships, internships and microinternships, 21 industry certificates are available.

The Entrepreneurship Program

The Entrepreneurship Program engages students in the everyday business of creating ideas and building companies. Available in District 214’s six comprehensive high schools, it uses the expertise of local business partners with professional roots in a variety of areas, from marketing and branding to finance and business development. 

These partners join District 214 teachers to deliver a relevant entrepreneurship education. Students also work in teams, as they would in a real business setting, to solve problems and develop solutions. Startup Showcase is the culmination of the program’s year of critical thinking, collaboration and inspiration. In the competition, the top group from each school pitches their idea to a team of judges for a shot at a financial award funded by the District 214 Education Foundation. 

Startup Showcase already has helped launch a number of student businesses, including SnapClips, which later secured funding from three of the business professionals on the TV show “Shark Tank.” 

In addition, several schools have coffee carts that enable students to run businesses during the day. Students in the District’s life program at the Forest View Educational Center launched Forest Brew. It helps students in the transition program reach their highest level of independence through instruction in daily living, communication, community, vocation, self-determination and functional academics.

Middle College Business Administration at National Louis University

The D214 Middle College at National Louis University: Business Program is designed exclusively for seniors planning to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at National Louis University following graduation from District 214.

During their senior year, students in the program will attend classes on NLU’s campus 3 days a week and will also attend their high school for a lunch period, a mandatory physical education class, an elective and a structured learning class that provides support for study skills, note taking, tutoring and other important academic behaviors that bolster school and life success.  Students will also participate in a business internship 5 to 10 hours per week.  Students can also still participate in cocurricular activities at their own high schools.

While in high school, District 214 seniors will complete ten courses across three college trimesters — a full year of college credit — by the end of their senior year, allowing them to complete their degree three years later.  The initial cohort of seniors began the program in August 2020 and will complete their degree at National Louis University in May 2024.

To apply for the Middle College Business Administration, click on the application link below:

Middle College Business Administration Application

Work Based Learning Experiences in business management and administration

Student interns have completed a variety of tasks in the Business Management and Administration field, including, but not limited to:

• Observing candidate interviews and providing feedback to supervisors
• With industry professional input, tailoring a resume for future applications
• Using social media platforms to increase awareness of an organization’s services within a community

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