(NMC) — As part of Northern Marianas College’s ongoing efforts to support workforce development and strengthen local entrepreneurship, the college’s Center for Training and Innovation, in collaboration with the CNMI Public School System, recently concluded the pilot cohort of the Business Academy Training Program. The college-level program gives high school students a head start in business education, leadership development, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Over the course of the three-month program, the high school participants were provided with direct mentorship from current NMC business students and a unique opportunity to earn college credit by completing MG 231 – Introduction to Business. In addition, students received training in financial literacy, communication, entrepreneurship, time management, and leadership.
The academy culminated in a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition, where students presented their original business plans to a panel of judges comprising NMC School of Business faculty and CTI staff, showcasing the skills and knowledge they had gained during the program.
“We were excited to see high school students develop their entrepreneurial spirit and believe that the Business Academy Program is a strong foundation for their journey. This is a valuable opportunity for students to earn college credit while building their business acumen,” said Interim Director for NMC School of Business Dr. Barbara Hunter.
“After witnessing the positive outcomes of the Teacher Academy Program in partnership with the NMC School of Education, we were inspired to launch this pilot cohort of the Business Academy Program with the NMC School of Business,” said NMC CTI Program Manager Geraldine Babauta Sasamoto.
“Our aim is to introduce high school students to the world of business and inspire them to consider how they can contribute to the CNMI’s economic growth through business careers. As this is just the beginning, we’re actively working to expand the program further, with even more hands-on learning experiences and greater involvement from local industry partners, to help shape a new generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in our islands,” Sasamoto said.
The Business Academy is made possible through the support of NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation, formerly known as Community Development Institute, which continues to offer short-term training, certification, and enrichment programs for community and professional development.
For more information about the Business Academy and other training opportunities offered by NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation, visit www.marianas.edu or email cdi@marianas.edu/.
From left, Business Academy students Jesse Lin, Brit Ashley Malabanan, and Zaira Llaga present their business plans in a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition to a panel of judges consisting of NMC School of Business faculty and CTI staff.
NMC photo
The NMC Center for Training and Innovation, in collaboration with the CNMI Public School System, has concluded the pilot cohort of the Business Academy Training Program.
NMC photo
