At Valley Park High School, the Design and Enterprise program is empowering students with the tools and skills they need for future career success. By combining business concepts, practical craftsmanship, and hands-on projects, students gain invaluable experience that sets them apart in today’s competitive world.
Design and Enterprise 1 focuses on building foundational skills in business operations, production, and craftsmanship while Design and Enterprise 2 expands these skills, introducing advanced concepts like shop and business management to prepare students for leadership roles.
Through this program, students gain critical life skills, including problem-solving, creativity, leadership and initiative. These transferable skills empower students to turn ideas into tangible products while developing the confidence to take on entrepreneurial challenges.
While the program doesn’t follow a traditional business plan model, core elements of business planning are seamlessly woven into class assignments and projects. This approach allows students to not only learn essential business principles but also apply them creatively by designing, marketing, and selling their own products.
The VP Hawks Store serves as a showcase for student creativity and craftsmanship, offering a variety of handcrafted and custom items, including:
Cutting Boards
Charcuterie Boards
Wooden Coasters
3D Filament Coasters and Holders
Keychains and Luggage Tags
Custom Wooden Signs
Custom Vinyl Stickers/Decals
Custom Heat Press T-Shirt Designs
Students in Design and Enterprise and Industrial Tech classes are also earning certifications that enhance their employability and workplace readiness by becoming certified through CareerSafe for their OSHA-10 Certification. This certification ensures students understand basic workplace safety. Out of the 57 students enrolled in these programs, 20 have already earned their OSHA-10 certification, with more earning this certification each day.
Additional certifications earned are Employability Skills Certification and ASK Fundamentals of Business Concepts Certification. The ASK certification reinforces students’ knowledge in business management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Certifications like these give students a competitive edge by documenting their skills, showcasing their accountability, and positioning them for future success.
The Design and Enterprise program at Valley Park High School is more than just a class—it’s a launchpad for future success!
Click the photo to see pics from some Design and Enterprise classes. 