The Business Academy offers numerous benefits to both students and businesses, as explained by Potter. Students can gain a competitive edge in their career and college preparation by taking college-level business courses while still in high school. They also have the opportunity to network with peers and professionals in the business community and acquire valuable real-world experience through internships.
Many students have seen personal, professional, and academic growth as a result of their participation in the academy. Christalyn Matheson, for example, is set to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall to study accounting and finance. Rylee Abbett gained confidence through her experience in the academy, exclaiming, “I can do this!”
Business owners and managers also benefit from their involvement in the academy. Hosting interns from the academy allows businesses to be a part of the process of preparing students for their next steps after graduation. Some businesses even end up hiring their interns, creating a win-win situation. Dawn Hoxie, a branch manager at Northrim Bank, describes the partnership with the academy as beneficial because it allowed the bank’s employees to mentor young adults and prepare them for the workforce.
