Camp trains teenagers to become CEOs


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SALT LAKE CITY — In 1996 as a sophomore at Bingham High School, Angie Balfour decided to go to Utah Business Week (UBW). Today, she travels the world as a senior global human resources manager for Fairchild Semiconductor. She attributes both her interest in human resources and her current job to her experience at UBW, a six-day business camp in which high school students interact with counselors from Utah's business community.


After graduating from college, National Semiconductor sought me out and offered me a job. It all tied back to Utah Business Week.

–- Angie Balfour, senior global HR manager, Fairchild Semiconductor


"My UBW counselor became a true mentor," Balfour said. "He told me that I had an ability to understand and resolve complex problems, especially with people, and I believed him. Ultimately, my experience at UBW resulted in my becoming more involved in business clubs and courses at my high school. I won local and national HR business competitions and was offered an internship after high school with National Semiconductor (now Fairchild Semiconductor). After graduating from college, National Semiconductor sought me out and offered me a job. It all tied back to UBW."

This summer marks the 33rd year the week-long program has been working to promote the future of business and leadership. Each day of this intensive program begins with breakfast at 7 a.m. and ends with lights out at 11 p.m. During the hours between, students are organized into groups or "companies" of 12 with an advisor from the Utah business community. Each company decides on a product to market and goes through a business-simulation program that puts students in real-world situations, giving them the opportunity to make real-world decisions. Students also attend lectures and presentations that address how the experiences they are going through are handled in business today.

"Utah Business Week really pushed me out of my shell by placing us in companies made up of strangers," said Jenessa Fredde from Lehi High School. "I was able to get to know a lot of new, amazing people that I wouldn't have met if they hadn't placed us with people we didn't know. It also made us compromise together as a company. When it came to designing our logo, jingle and even fun competitions, we were put in a situation where compromising was necessary, which I believe is an important skill to acquire."


Utah Business Week really pushed me out of my shell by placing us in companies made up of strangers.

–- Jenessa Fredde, Lehi High School student


For many of the 130 students from more than 56 Utah high schools, it's empowering to meet and learn from CEOs, business professionals and young entrepreneurs.

"UBW has given me the courage to know that I can start a business," said Jacob Alder from Olympus High School. "I am planning on starting a bow tie business while in high school. I want to do more business as I get older. UBW absolutely has helped me plan for my future."

The program benefits not only the students who attend, but also Utah's workforce. Corporations across Utah sponsor a majority of the $600 cost per student because of their support of the program. Students are responsible for only $100. Included in the cost of enrollment is room and board at USU dorms, plus all activities. Sponsors include the George S. and Dolores Eccles Foundation, Workers Compensation Fund, Questar, Rocky Mountain Power, Merit Medical, Wasatch Property Management, Mountain America and others. Many of the supporting companies also provide an employee who takes on the role of advisor to a group of 10 to 12 students during the week.


UBW has given me the courage to know that I can start a business.

–- Jacob Alder, Olympus High School student


"Succeeding in business is all about making the right decisions," said Ron Jibson, chairman, president and CEO of Questar Corporation. "When Utah's top businesses and executives pass along their expertise to the next generation, they're helping to ensure a healthier economy for Utah's future. For more than 30 years, we've been helping Utah high school students cover tuition to attend Utah Business Week on the beautiful campus of Utah State University. Students learn how to start and run a business, they tour Cache Valley companies, hear from entrepreneurs, understand the importance of giving back, and there are several fun activities and a few dances — for networking, of course. We're proud to support Utah's students."

Registration for UBW opened this month. Information about applying to the program can be found at utahbusinessweek.com.

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Rachel Lewis

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