Next-Gen Central brings Clare High School students to CMU

The Central Michigan University College of Business Administration hosted Clare High School students for the Next-Gen ERPsim event on Sept. 26. Organized by Business Information Systems faculty members Christine Witt and Kyle Nothstine, the competition gave students a firsthand look at how business decisions shape company performance through the ERPsim Maple Syrup game.

The day began with a warm welcome as students arrived on campus, received event T-shirts and food, and met their CMU mentors. Together, teams prepared for the simulation by learning how to manage virtual companies using SAP software, set prices and analyze data to make strategic marketing and production decisions.

Teamwork in action

Throughout the morning, students competed in three rounds of the simulation, each followed by discussions, feedback and celebration of the top-performing teams. Prizes and CMU’s signature turnover chains were awarded to the round winners.

Mentors from CMU guided each team, helping them connect business concepts with real-world thinking.

“It was fun to watch the students work together, solve problems and see how business decisions impact a company,” said senior general business administration major Raegan Louch. “Everyone gained confidence, improved their teamwork and got a better sense of what the business world is really like.”

Building confidence through mentorship

For many mentors, the highlight of the day was watching students grow more engaged with the process.

“My favorite part about mentoring at the Next-Gen ERPsim was seeing my team grow to love SAP,” said junior HR management major Alina Brown. “The high schoolers went from asking, ‘What’s the big deal about SAP?’ to ‘That was awesome can we have another round?’ That progression through the hands-on experience was the highlight of my mentorship.”

Following the final round, participants gathered for lunch and concluding statements, featuring Paul Dunn, faculty member in the Business Information Systems Department. The event concluded with post-simulation surveys, scholarship presentations and group photos to celebrate the students’ achievements.

Learning by leading

For some mentors, the competition was as much about teaching as it was about learning.

“What I enjoyed most about the Next-Gen ERPsim competition was getting to explain the program to others, especially high school students,” said senior marketing and logistics double major Koby Rhymer. “I worked with a group of high school boys, and since we think about things in similar ways, I was able to explain concepts to them in a way their teachers might not have. Teaching the material actually helped me understand the program more deeply and we ended up winning the competition that day.”

The power of mentorship

For Witt, the event demonstrated how mentorship and collaboration connect high school and college students in meaningful ways.

“Next-Gen Central highlighted the power of mentorship and collaboration between CHS and CBA students,” Witt said. “The program gave CBA student leaders the opportunity to inspire and guide high school students, introducing them to new fields of study and career pathways. As an alumna of both schools, I was proud to witness this partnership, which showcased the passion, leadership and dedication of our CBA mentors and their infectious love of CMU.”

Where leadership starts

The Next-Gen ERPsim experience reflected what CMU’s College of Business Administration does best combining applied learning with personal connection. By linking high school classrooms with university mentorship, the event helped students see business as both a challenge and a community.

As Witt and Nothstine’s teams showed, the lessons go far beyond the simulation. Students left with new confidence, new friendships and a clearer sense of how collaboration drives success inside and outside the classroom.

To learn more and schedule an event , contact Christine Witt.