~WORK BASED LEARNING PROGRAM~ Making the transition from school to work is one of the most important events that will happen in a student’s life. For most of Holyoke's FBLA members, they have been involved in a traditional form of school-based education in the classroom; however, many members took advantage of the work-based learning program. This program takes students out of the classroom and puts them in a business. They learn about the world of work by working side by side with professionals and gain valuable business skills.

~RESOURCE GUIDE~ The resource guide is a collection of job descriptions, job qualifications, college degrees needed for jobs and local salaries. FBLA members mailed out questionnaires, and once completed, they are compiled into a resource guide. A copy of the resource guide is located in the counselor’s office for students to use to investigate careers.

~ONLINE STOCK MARKET CHALLENGE~ The Stock Market Game is an electronic simulation of Wall Street trading designed to help students understand the stock market, the costs and benefits involved in decision making, the sources and uses of capital, and other related economic concepts. Students form teams to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in common stocks listed on the AMEX, the NASDAQ, and the NYSE. This year, for the first time, National FBLA participated in this Stock Market Challenge. As a result, three teams from Holyoke learned first hand how to invest wisely.