The Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC), historically held at The Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, NC and other national and international locations. Hundreds of high school students participate each year in this exciting program. FELC is an effective way to promote the students' understanding of business, personal responsibility, and the opportunities available to them in the free enterprise system. During the week, students interact with prominent community and business leaders who share success stories and answer students' questions about their careers.
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.
Who Can Attend?
FELC is designed for rising juniors and seniors in high school who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in the free market system. For consideration, each student must submit a completed application and list a reference.
What Will Students Do?
Participants will form companies to manufacture and market a product or provide a service. Company activities include lessons about marketing, production, costs of doing business, profits, and taxes. This conference will allow students the opportunity to participate in a Virtual Trade Mission (an Internet based market research project to promote a better understanding of the global economy), free enterprise strategies, the Free Enterprise Challenge Game, watch and discuss the highly acclaimed "The Call of the Entrepreneur" and learn from prominent leaders in business, government, and the community. A speech competition and the Laws of Life Essay Contest are also open to all interested students.
What Is The Cost Of The Challenge?
Other than a $50 registration fee, there is no cost. Through the support of private contributions, each participant of the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge receives a full scholarship. This includes room, board, and conference costs. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference.
When Is The Challenge?
FELC is offered during the summer and other times throughout the year. The week-long challenge typically runs Sunday through Thursday.
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 |
