The Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC) is a one-of-a-kind program you won't find anywhere else. During your time at FELC, you'll learn about free market economics, learn how to create your own business (with real money), and discover how you can become a great leader. Get ahead this summer - register to attend FELC!
History and Background
The Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge was established in 1995 to help educate students about the opportunities available to them within the free enterprise system. Historically, the summer program is held on the campus of Wingate University (Wingate, NC). But the program has also been successfully conducted at other national and international locations, both in five-day and shorter formats. Each year, hundreds of high school students participate in this exciting program. To date, over 5,000 young people call themselves graduates of the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge.
Over the years, FELC has proven an effective way to promote students' understanding of business, personal responsibility, and the opportunities available to them in the free enterprise system. Athletes and entertainers often serve as role models to young people in our culture. It is our goal to promote business and community leaders who are actively involved in creating jobs and developing human resources. Emphasis is also placed on philanthropy, ethical behavior in business and the development of good character.
Who can attend?
Students who will be sophomores (10th grade), juniors (11th grade) or seniors (12th grade) by the start of the traditional school year and have demonstrated leadership potential and/or an interest in the free market system are encouraged to apply. For consideration, each student must submit a completed application, a personal statement and list a reference.
What will students do?
A company competition is the core activity of the week. In small groups, students form companies to provide actual services and products for other members of the camp. Rather than using "fake" money, students borrow from the FELC bank to get their companies started, and they are expected to turn a profit during the week. With guided instruction, students work together to create business plans, market their companies, pay taxes and maintain accounting records. The company who works the hardest turns the biggest profit during the week. Every company decides the fate of their profits. Proudly, 95% of the companies in FELC history have donated their proceeds to charity. Since 2008, FELC students have been contributing their profits to the online micro-finance lending non-profit Kiva.org. FELC students are currently loaning money to help spread the positive message of free enterprise in developing countries, and when the money is repaid, we reinvest it, allowing the network of giving to continue years after students graduate FELC. See our Kiva.org lender page by clicking here.
Other activities during the week include:
- Character Education games
- Laws of Life Essay Contest
- Lessons on the importance of corporate philanthropy
- Speech and Debate Contests
- Lessons on marketing, production, costs of doing business, profits and taxes
- A Virtual Trade Mission - internet based research project to promote a better understanding of the global economy
Community and business leaders serve as daily speakers to motivate, encourage and lend sound advice. Top participants are presented with opportunities for college scholarships and international travel. All of these activities are designed to keep students actively involved. Hands-on, experiential learning is the goal of these activities! We expect good attitudes, positive behavior and plenty of effort during all activities.
What does a typical day of FELC look like?
While academic lectures and textbooks are always useful and important in the learning process, FELC takes a more hands-on approach to learning. Rather than telling students that starting a business can be a difficult and an encumbered process, we put students in the driver's seat. We firmly believe a student will enjoy the material and therefore be more actively engaged in the learning process if we allow them to be active participants in their education. We of course supplement our interactive learning with a source guide and academically sound material. And we do expect students to complete some "traditional" classroom assignments including essays and business plans. You'll see our sample schedule below is highly engaging and provides a busy day for participants!
FELC: DAY THREE SAMPLE SCHEDULE (word document)
What is the cost of FELC?
There is a minimal cost for students to attend FELC. In 2010 the registration fee was $75. Through the support of private contributions, each participant of the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge receives a full scholarship. This cost includes three meals a day (exception - arrival departure days), housing, materials during the week, a FELC t-shirt, and program costs (a $500 value). Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference. Grants are available for students and families who may need financial assistance to cover the registration fee.
Where will students stay during the program?
Typically students stay in the dormitory facilities where the program is being conducted. Past programs have been held on the campus of Wingate University and Campbell University, among others. Boys and girls are always housed in separate quarters (with strict guidelines of course!).
When is the challenge?
FELC is typically offered in the summer, with shorter versions of the program being conducted at other times during the year. The summer program traditionally starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday evening.
Summer 2011
Dates to be announced soon!
How does the application process work, and when is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no specific deadline. We will continue to accept applications until the program is full. Priority will be given to students who have never attended FELC before. Previous attendees will be placed on a waiting list and added if space becomes available. Students will be able to apply online, by mail and by fax. Applicants will be notified of your acceptance by mail within three weeks of applying.
Questions?
Please contact the FELC Program Coordinator by phone at (704) 233-1776, ext. 8 or by email at info@jessehelmscenter.org.
What do participants have to say about FELC?
"I remember most the close friendships and shared perspectives on politics and business. My company project was the backbone to getting to know people."
-Thomas Robbins
2004 Graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and participant in the prestigious Fulbright Scholars Program
Concentration in Public Service, minor in Political Science and Spanish
"I will never forget my FELC experience. It helped me decide my future by giving me advice on colleges, and the free enterprise system in our country."
-Medha Sheth
Undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Majoring in Business Administration
"The aspect I remember most was exposure to outstanding students that were conscientious on important issues and discussions and the interesting guest speakers."
-Gary Bowers
2nd year law student at Oklahoma City University
Graduated with honors from Belmont Abbey College
"I remember meeting some very remarkable people that have long since still inspired me. They inspired me to search for a goal and obtain it, stopping only when the mission was complete."
-Joseph Green
Graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and currently working as an Analyst for Bank of America
"The atmosphere was conducive toward learning from others and forming friendships. The experience reminded me that in life you must be willing to take risks. Taking a risk enabled me to attend law school and I’ve found that in the face of my greatest challenge, I am presented with my greatest opportunity."
-Angie Stoker
Enrolled at the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University
Graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science |
