Students from Islip School District’s Virtual Enterprise classes recently traveled to the International Youth Business Summit, where they showcased their business knowledge and professionalism while competing against top student-run companies from around the world. Among their many accomplishments, Islip students proudly advanced and competed in the national round of the Human Resources (HR) Competition.

Virtual Enterprise is an innovative, hands-on program that transforms classrooms into simulated businesses. Throughout the school year, students take on real-world roles—such as human resources managers, marketing specialists, accountants, and executives—while operating their own virtual companies. This authentic experience helps students develop workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

This year, Islip’s Virtual Enterprise team earned a prestigious spot at nationals after advancing through highly competitive regional rounds. They were among only a select few teams invited to compete in the HR National Competition at the International Youth Business Summit. During the competition, students presented their human resources strategies, policies, and corporate social responsibility plans to panels of industry professionals, responding to challenging questions and demonstrating their understanding of modern workplace practices.

Business students prepared for months leading up to the summit, dedicating time both during and outside of class to refine their presentations, strengthen their collaboration skills, and polish their professional communication. Their commitment paid off as they confidently represented Islip on the national stage, gaining valuable feedback from judges and networking with peers from across the country and around the globe.

"Watching our students grow into confident professionals and present on a national stage is incredibly rewarding," said Ms. McMullan. "Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to rise to every challenge truly demonstrate what Islip business students are capable of achieving."

Beyond competition, the International Youth Business Summit offered students an unforgettable educational experience. Participants networked with peers and professionals from around the world, explored emerging trends in entrepreneurship, and connected with other student-run companies. These experiences provided valuable insight into future career paths and reinforced the importance of innovation and collaboration in today’s global economy.

Islip School District is proud of its business students for their hard work, professionalism, and outstanding representation at the 2026 International Youth Business Summit.