September 20, 2024
Picture this: a bustling mini metropolis, complete with its own businesses and currency – all run by kids. That’s right, mix together a mini city, a bunch of excited fifth graders, and some real-world learning and you get Enterprise Village, a self-contained economic education program that provides hands-on experience for students! From banks to restaurants to entertainment, for nearly 35 years Enterprise village has had everything a mini functioning society needs to thrive… well, almost.
Enter Power Design – Enterprise Village’s first multi-trade construction company within the vibrant little community! Adding a fresh dynamic to the program, students will now have the opportunity to learn about the electrical industry and problem-solving on a whole new level – just like Power Design does in the real world. More than 10,000 elementary-aged students will now get to learn firsthand how construction plays a crucial role in shaping skylines and cities, making Enterprise Village an even more complete society. Check out the grand unveiling of the new space below!
“So many Power Design team members have had impactful experiences at Enterprise Village. For us, this partnership is more than just continuing education, it’s about empowering the next generation and inspiring students to take an interest in the trades at a young age,” Power Design’s Director of Community Impact Juli Permuy said. “We hope that 20 years from now, we’ll be talking to Power Design team members whose very first job was at Enterprise Village.”
As part of the program, students “employed” at Power Design will participate in activities that mirror real-world construction! They’ll build circuit boards and “install” them in other businesses across Enterprise Village, while an “Estimating” team will handle the costs by charging other businesses for the boards.
These hands-on activities are designed to foster teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership—core elements of Power Design’s work culture, both in the office and the field. From their mock-jobsite, students will even get to enjoy a “view” of the St. Petersburg skyline, giving them a glimpse into what it’s like to play a part in shaping the world around them.
“Kids remember their experience here. This Power Design space is something completely new for us – you can’t even imagine where this exposure and hands-on experience will lead. We believe trades are so important, and this is a great way for children to get to experience that early on. This is such a cool space – for fifth graders, this is the thing,” Pinellas Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell said.
Part of the Pinellas Education Foundation’s Stavros Institute, Enterprise Village has become a cornerstone of economic education for fifth graders in Pinellas County. From operating their own bank accounts to making strategic business decisions, students get a real-world look into how economies function. Now, with Power Design’s involvement, they’ll get an even broader perspective by experiencing how construction is vital to a community’s success.
With Power Design stepping into Enterprise Village, students are now getting a whole new perspective on what it takes to build the world around them. From crafting circuits to balancing budgets, these future leaders are learning that success isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and the power of teamwork.
We can’t wait to see the lasting impact this experience has on the kids who are discovering that building something great starts with teamwork and a little hands-on fun! And who knows? Maybe one day, the skills learned here will be the foundation for the next great innovator or visionary builder.
