Baldwin High School’s two new Virtual Enterprise firms—CleanVista and Dorms Deluxe—proudly represented the district at the 2025 New York State and Northeast Leadership Conference at Long Island University Post.
Baldwin’s Virtual Enterprise program is among a network of 15,000 students across the U.S. each year and is part of a global network that spans 40 countries and includes 7,500 student-run businesses through the non-profit organization, VE International. VE International transforms the classroom into a dynamic business environment, allowing participating schools to engage in a global economy, where companies buy and sell virtual products and services within a closed online network of over 7,000 student-run businesses worldwide.
Through the VE curriculum and under the guidance of a teacher, students create and oversee a simulated company by assuming different roles in various departments, including accounting/finance, human resources, sales/marketing, and IT.
In Baldwin, juniors and seniors can enroll in the course and take on leadership roles, such as CEO, as they establish ventures, develop marketing strategies, and engage in transactions with other simulated businesses. Students dedicate their class time to creating and managing their simulated business, while participating in various competitions and trade shows throughout the year. It is through these local, regional, and national events that the students can showcase their work and expertise to industry professionals, experience real-world competition, network with peers, and connect with college and business partners.
The curriculum for the VE course, which is part of the course sequence for the Global Business and Entrepreneurship Academy at Baldwin High School, focuses on developing real-world skills such as problem-solving, financial literacy, communication, and critical thinking, which prepare students for future college and career success.
During the conference, students engaged in dynamic sessions designed to enhance leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This unique educational experience provided aspiring business leaders and future venture capitalists with valuable insights from an expert panel of Fortune 500 executives and motivational speakers. Students also collaborated with peers during interactive breakout workshops and networked with professionals and other student-run firms from across the region.
“I’m so proud of our students for their hard work and professionalism,” said business teacher Jason Rudish, who helps oversee the VE program as well as the Senior Experience course. “They gained real-world experience and showed what Baldwin students are capable of.”
A major highlight of the conference was the Elevator Pitch Competition, during which students presented their business pitches before a panel of judges, faculty deans, and fellow entrepreneurs. Baldwin’s CleanVista advanced to the final round after delivering an exceptional performance and presentation.
Overall, the experience deepened students’ understanding of the Virtual Enterprise program, the challenges of managing a business, and the leadership skills required to build and sustain a successful company.
Next up for Baldwin’s VE firms is the New York State VE Regional Business Plan Competition and Trade Show in January.
