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Ursuline's expanded business programs connect classroom learning to real-world experience

Ursuline's expanded business programs connect classroom learning to real-world experience

by Shannon Dufresne
 

Ursuline is leading the charge in preparing young women for business, finance, and entrepreneurship, continuing to expand its offerings in response to growing student interest. By keeping a close eye on opportunities afforded by new technologies and adapting its curriculum, the school is ensuring that business-minded girls will graduate with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to succeed in college programs and future careers.

As its business and finance programs continue to grow, Ursuline offers students expanded opportunities to build real-world skills and connect classroom learning to hands-on experiences through clubs, competitions, and guest speakers.

Led by business teacher and club moderator Mrs. Jill Patricot, the program includes a suite of Bloomberg-based courses and student-run enterprises designed to strengthen financial literacy, collaboration, and leadership skills. Interest in the program has increased steadily, reflecting the relevance of applied business education.

"At Ursuline, our students are deeply invested in this work. They show up early, take on leadership roles, and are genuinely excited to apply what they're learning to real financial markets and business challenges."
- Mrs. Jill Patricot, business teacher and club moderator

"At Ursuline, our students are deeply invested in this work," Patricot said. "They show up early, take on leadership roles, and are genuinely excited to apply what they're learning to real financial markets and business challenges."

Among the cornerstone offerings is Money, Markets, and Bloomberg, a semester course available to students in grades 10–12. Meeting twice weekly before the school day, the course introduces personal finance, investing, portfolio management, and sustainable finance through hands-on analysis using Bloomberg technology. Students work in teams, study real companies, and may earn Bloomberg certifications. The spring section of the course will begin on March 3.

Students who complete the introductory course and earn certification may apply for the Advanced Bloomberg / Portfolio Management pilot program. Participants manage portfolios using advanced analytics, pursue higher-level Bloomberg certifications, and compete in the Bloomberg Portfolio Challenge, further extending their technical and analytical skills.

Upper-level students can also participate in Virtual Enterprise, a full-year, team-based simulated business experience for juniors and seniors. Students run a company across departments such as marketing, finance, human resources, IT, and operations, compete in regional and national events, and develop professional communication and problem-solving skills.

Learning extends well beyond the classroom through Ursuline's DECA and Future Women in Business clubs. Momentum continues into the competition season. Fifteen Ursuline students will advance to the DECA state-level competition in Rochester, NY, during the week of March 2, following the start of the new Bloomberg course section. Participants will represent the school in events that test marketing, finance, hospitality, and management skills.

Additional business-related programs and club activities are regularly featured on Ursuline's website, highlighting how academic coursework, co-curricular leadership, and experiential learning work together to prepare students for college and future careers.

"Our students are not just learning concepts," Patricot said. "They’re practicing professionalism, decision-making, and teamwork in ways that mirror the real world, and they’re doing it with remarkable dedication."
 

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