What do futuristic conference rooms, castles, and aspiring entrepreneurs have in common? The FBLA field trip to InventionLand!

Beaver Area High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) traveled to InventionLand February 16. The trip was open to all FBLA members who were interested in attending and were accompanied by advisor Mrs. Lori Guandolo and Vice Principal Mrs. Michelle Murphy.

So what exactly is Inventionland? InventionLand (located near Blawnox northeast of downtown Pittsburgh) is a place for inventors to develop their ideas and market them to various companies around the world.

This unique establishment also seeks young inventors and entrepreneurs thought its competitions, providing opportunities for these young people to develop and market their products. Inventionland is the perfect place for students’ ideas to be heard and to be successful in the entrepreneurship field.

The FBLA students had a packed schedule from departing the school first period on a bus to touring InventionLand during mid morning. The students also were given the opportunity to shop and eat at Robinson Mall after their exciting entrepreneurial endeavors.

At InventionLand, the future business leaders experienced conference rooms, competition settings, and tons of awesome inventions! Everyone was thrilled to observe these particular sights as thriving entrepreneurs themselves. The members had a fantastic time seeing how daily use tools and creative office spaces were presented. The office spaces were even inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Disney.

The students returned to Beaver Area High School after a fascinating field trip experience, arriving during ninth period.

Mrs. Guandolo stated enthusiastically, “Inventionland is such a unique place! I loved seeing the students' reactions when we entered the ‘factory.’ The best part of the experience though, was meeting the Inventionland creator, Mr. Davison. He shared some great advice with the students.”

Although that’s it for InventionLand, FLBA has many other future endeavors coming up this school year. For one, they will be hosting a basket auction at this year’s famous “Mr. Beaver High” pageant March 8. All money raised will go towards their Pennsylvania State Project: Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant eight wishes for foundation members.

Students are also selling Anderson chocolate bars to fundraise for their trip to Hershey for FBLA State Qualifiers.

And finally, make sure to look out for FBLA’s March Fundraiser for their National FBLA project which benefits the March of Dimes.