A simulated business community that promotes an understanding of the world 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. In this simulated work environment, students act as retail operators, producers of services, and consumers for a full day, 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 73,000 students from over 35 school districts across Long Island since the program’s opening in May 2000.