DANBURY Immaculate High School Launches Business Innovation Center to Equip Students with Real-World Skills
Immaculate High School in Danbury is giving its students a leg up on learning practical business skills and immersing them in the fast-evolving world of technology. The Catholic high school’s new Business Innovation Center aims to provide an education that bridges classroom learning with real-world business experience.
“Business education should feel like the real world,” said Wendy Neil, head of school. “Now, thanks to the help of our alumni, community, and partners, our students will practice the skills that colleges and employers value most.”
Recognizing the rising interest among high school and college students in pursuing careers within the business industry, Immaculate responded by offering cutting-edge resources designed to enhance academic success and prepare students for college, professional careers, and leadership roles.
“The business world is increasingly grappling with complex ethical dilemmas, particularly around the use of artificial intelligence (AI),” Neil explained. “Addressing these challenges requires more than technical expertise — it demands a foundation rooted in ethics, empathy, and service.”
According to Neil, Immaculate’s Business Innovation Center is uniquely positioned to prepare students for this evolving reality by fostering an environment grounded in responsibility, compassion, and reverence.
Features Designed for Hands-On Learning and Innovation
The Business Innovation Center offers a modern, hands-on learning space dedicated to business education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Notable features include:
- Collaborative workstations
- Advanced presentation technology
- Stock market trading simulation using Interactive Brokers software
- Flexible areas for project development modeled after real-world business environments
“Providing students with a learning space and resources that create a real-world experience inspires engaged learning,” said Neil.
The center was transformed from a former classroom and now includes a striking glass wall to provide a professional atmosphere. Financial support from alumni and the community made it possible to acquire software at no cost to the school, with investments directed toward furnishings such as chairs, tables, TVs for display, and the construction work for the revamped space.
“I think this is yet another thing that sets Immaculate apart from other schools,” commented Palmer. “If you come for a visit and have any inkling for doing something in business, this center is going to jump out at you. I think it’s going to take off and it’s fun!”
A Valuable Resource for Students and Teachers Alike
The Business Innovation Center also serves as a valuable tool for educators. “When I’m teaching an accounting class and kids ask me about stocks, I can reference the ticker now,” said George Bielizna, a business teacher at Immaculate. “It’s all live and they can watch it. It gives them a feeling that they are close to Wall Street and it’s constantly moving, so it makes students feel connected to a larger world out there.”
During the school day, the center will be used for classes within the business department. It will also serve as the hub for the Business and Entrepreneurship Club and host a planned speaker series. “We will be bringing in leading professionals from the business fields to share their expertise with students,” said Neil.
Part of Immaculate’s Commitment to Advanced Academic and Career Spaces
The Business Innovation Center is a significant addition to Immaculate High School’s ongoing investment in state-of-the-art academic and career facilities. Recent enhancements include a cutting-edge eSports Lab, a Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical Room, and renovated science and fitness facilities, all aimed at providing students with comprehensive, future-focused educational opportunities.
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