In an innovative collaboration between North Royalton High School and the Veale Entrepreneur Forum program, students in the school's Entrepreneurship and Building your Brand classes are gaining first-hand experience in entrepreneurship through an unlikely source: beekeeping. They shared their story of Royal Rooftop Honey at the April 11 Board of Education meeting. There are 95 students currently working on the project. Students who spoke at the Board meeting and also a PTA meeting about their experience thus far include Corlyn Stauffer, Casey Neer, Sam Haley, Dominic Marini, Jacob Shuck, and William Cronin.
Students are learning how bee hives are an economic ecosystem. Bees produce products, trade resources, and operate in a hierarchy that keeps the hive running, allowing them to survive. Through a partnership with Youth Bee Works Edenculture, a unique opportunity has arisen for North Royalton High School students to witness this fully functional economic force in action.
The program focuses on developing skills in collaboration, marketing and sales, product development and design, and economics. Hive sponsorships provided by Youth Bee Works Edenculture enable students to not only observe the intricate workings of a bee colony but also to generate a revenue stream from the production and sale of honey.
"Bees are incredible entrepreneurs themselves," remarked Kriste Smith, the business teacher spearheading the program. "By studying their organizational structure, division of labor, and resource management, our students gain insights into the fundamental principles of running a successful enterprise."
How it Works:
Youth Bee Works provides a turnkey hive for educators, taking care of the hive maintenance and honey extraction. After a site visit to determine the best location, students work with Youth Bee Works to create a logo and label for their honey product. Honey is extracted twice a year, in June and October, and packaged according to the students' preferences. At North Royalton High School, they placed the hive on the roof of the building.
"It's fascinating to see how bees operate as a cohesive unit, each contributing to the greater good of the hive," said AJ Horvath, a student in the business program. "This experience has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, resource allocation, and the importance of a well-structured hierarchy in any organization."
The true entrepreneurial challenge comes when students utilize their marketing and sales skills to promote and sell the honey produced from their very own bee hive. This hands-on experience offers invaluable lessons in product development, branding, and business management.
The partnership with Case Western Reserve University's Veale Entrepreneur program further enhances the educational experience by providing students with access to expert guidance, mentorship, and resources for developing entrepreneurial skills.
As the North Royalton High School business students continue to explore the world of beekeeping, they are not only gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricate nature of these remarkable insects but also acquiring practical knowledge and skills that will serve them well in their future business endeavors.
Photo ID from above: Kriste Smith, teacher; William Cronin, Jacob Shuck, Dominic Marini, Casey Neer
