Ursuline's innovative business program is a game-changer for students interested in business and finance. In 2022, the program was launched by generous donations from dedicated benefactors. It built a solid foundation with two Bloomberg terminals and subscriptions to Girls with Impact, an online “mini MBA” program, as its cornerstones. These building blocks served as a springboard for enthusiastic girls, many of whom were members of the school’s pre-existing Future Women in Business club.

Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president, reflects on those early days. “We wanted to get our students thinking about their own personal financial futures,” she explains. “Everyone has one whether they plan for it or not. We also wanted to open their eyes to the world of possibilities in business and finance.”

We wanted to get our students thinking about their own personal financial futures. Everyone has one whether they plan for it or not."
- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president

The project was unique and ambitious, particularly in an all-girls learning environment. It quickly set The Ursuline School apart from other schools in the area. Those early days established the JoAnn Murphy Lab for Financial Markets and Literacy, a dedicated space for students beginning to envision a future in business. 

Melnyk recalls, “We set out to equip students with personal financial knowledge and marketable skills. The growth of our program is reflected in the eager faces of our students and their desire to learn more.” The expanded business curriculum now includes three courses and two dedicated clubs. 

Ms. Jill Patricot and Mr. Chris Walsh are well-seasoned instructors, and their students can tell. They both bring their professional backgrounds to the subject matter. Patricot teaches two courses: Financial Literacy & Bloomberg and Advanced Markets & Bloomberg Systems. Walsh, a Social Studies faculty member, teaches Personal Finance & Investment.

Beyond the course material, Melnyk points to soft skills that can sometimes make or break young business professionals on the rise. “Our students are gaining confidence, knowledge, and experience along with time management and communication skills,” she adds as she scans the Hi-tech Conference room filled with DECA club members preparing for their first competition. 

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, was proposed by two Ursuline seniors, Ava and Juliette, who served as Founding Chapter Officers. So far, their desire to create a club that would be a game-changer for business-minded students has paid off. DECA members are learning the basics of personal finance, examining portfolios, exploring how businesses operate, and delving into real-world global finance topics like currencies and trade flows.

“DECA feels more like a class where students work towards college and careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management,” says Patricot, who also serves as DECA advisor. “There are tests, presentations, and competitions,” she continues. “Our students are building leadership, teamwork, and business skills by working with real-world scenarios.” 

DECA feels more like a class where students work towards college and careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.”
- Ms. Jill Patricot, instructor and advisor

On January 8, thirty club members traveled to SUNY Rockland to compete against 600 participants from schools throughout the Hudson Valley. After a productive morning of networking and competing against other DECA students, eight Ursuline students advanced to the state finals, with one student advancing to DECA's International Career Development Conference in Florida.

Future Women in Business club, led by co-presidents Elizabeth ‘26 and Juliette ‘25, helps students envision future careers in the business world. Run by students for students, the club builds professional skills while planning events, lining up speakers, and practicing public speaking skills.

LaScala, who has been involved with the program since its inception, is eager to share her excitement about Ursuline’s business program and the impact of what she’s learned. “The benefits of these programs offer unmatched opportunities to prepare for your future, and can be used for any personal goal as it provides a wide range of incredibly useful information.”

The benefits of these programs offer unmatched opportunities to prepare for your future, and can be used for any personal goal as it provides a wide range of incredibly useful information.”
- Elizabeth '26, co-president, Future Women in Business

What sets the program apart is its focus on empowering girls. Annina ‘27, active in both clubs, finds the program incredibly impactful. “Bloomberg is helping us shatter the glass ceiling, change the narrative, and essentially puts us in the driver's seat for our own financial futures.”

By breaking down barriers and teaching students to think critically and strategically, Ursuline is preparing the next generation of female leaders to stand out in any professional field they pursue. That is good news for students like Allison ‘26, who shares how the program inspires and empowers her. “With Bloomberg, you start to innovate, you make mistakes, and you learn to think critically in situations where it matters most,” she explains. 

Bloomberg is helping us shatter the glass ceiling, change the narrative, and essentially puts us in the driver's seat for our own financial futures.”
- Annina '27, vice president, Future Women in Business

Using the Bloomberg terminal, students can see the impact of their decisions on financial markets, analyze trends, and make informed choices based on credible information. The Ursuline Portfolio Team manages a $1 million mock equity portfolio and competes in the Bloomberg Challenge against over 3000 universities. They discuss strategies and place trades. This dynamic approach to learning engages students and prepares them for the fast-paced and ever-changing business environment they will face in the future.

Patricot is up to the task.

“My job is to help students find their spark, make it their own, and run with it,” she explains. “Most students will say that I tell them, ‘Be not afraid.’ Don’t be afraid to apply for that internship, take on a leadership role, speak up with your ideas, or even fail once in a while. High school is your time to explore. Ursuline provides professional tools and certifications to help you do just that.”

Ursuline students are already setting themselves apart by receiving their Bloomberg certification in high school. “It’s not just about building skills,” offers Melnyk. “It’s also about instilling a mindset of innovation, growth, and financial literacy. Here at Ursuline, we’re transforming the future of business, one girl at a time.”  

With Bloomberg, you start to innovate, you make mistakes, and you learn to think critically in situations where it matters most.”
- Allison '26

Perhaps LaScala ‘26 sums it up best, “It provides networking opportunities with professionals and peers, instilling the confidence and security necessary for success in the professional world.” At this rate, plenty of fresh-faced Ursuline young alums will work as business leaders in the not-so-distant future.