A simulated business community that promotes an understanding of business and economics. Working together in partnership with Long Island’s school districts, students are exposed to the basic principles of economics during a six-week preparatory period where the Commerce Plaza curriculum is introduced. A full-day field trip to the site integrates lessons learned from the classroom with actual work experience. During their visitation, students work in one of the 12 simulated businesses, receive a paycheck, and have the opportunity to interact with the other businesses. Our program allows children of all ethnic, socioeconomic, academic, and special needs levels to participate while meeting the NYS standards for higher learning. Commerce Plaza was Initially funded by the New York State Department of Education through its School to Work Initiative. Commerce Plaza has hosted over 83,000 students from over 42 school districts across Long Island since the program’s opening in May 2000.