Throughout the first semester at Zionsville Community High School, students in the entrepreneurship class learn the basic principles and essentials of opening up a business. From strenuous mental exercises and virtual business simulations to the more tedious and less popular textbook work, all are designed for one main purpose: The opening of The Fourth Line.
The Fourth Line is one of the most highly-sought school projects. This completely student-run business offers a “fourth” option to the everyday school lunches. Students elect leaders to act as “president” and “vice president” to make sure things run smoothly. Although most just enjoy the culinary aspect of the project, the students in entrepreneurship get to experience the whole thing.
Prior to opening The Fourth Line, a myriad of tasks needed completion. The class came up with a formal business plan that explained every aspect of the business. Furthermore, students had to ask teachers to invest as much or as little as they wanted with a guaranteed 10-percent return on their investment. As some of the teachers at ZCHS said, “It’s the safest investment anyone could make.”
This project is extremely effective. The students conduct real business with real restaurants. Several issues arose during the project, such as: late deliveries, food shortages and keeping the food at appropriate temperatures. Overall, it is a learning experience that provides the students with a prime opportunity to get hands-on experience in the business world.
