Much of the learning that is done in classrooms is hypothetical. While word problems in math and literary analysis in Collegio are great, members of the Seattle Prep Business Club this year have the opportunity to engage in hands-on business experiences with real world implications.
Joe Matter ’26, president of the club, explained his goals for the year: “The main points are the Investment Fund and Panther Tank.”
The Student Investment Fund is a $10,000 fund that Matter worked with the Seattle Prep Investing Committee over the summer to raise. “I pitched the idea to them, and they loved it. The director said it was the first time he’s ever heard of anything like it.”
The Prep Investing Committee is the official board of the school that moderates the school’s endowment and investments. The president of the board, Mr. Griffith, helped Matter to start the Student Investment Fund and learn how to run it. The money came as a donation from the school.
A group of 11 students, comprised of a mix of club leaders and members, will be able to allocate money from the fund as part of an educational practice. Through investing in stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other assets, Matter hopes to teach students more about personal finance. He noted, “Obviously the money is there, but it’s about giving students that educational value.”
Matter said he hopes to build a legacy of business education at Prep through the fund that students will be able to build on over time. There is a clause in the contract that states the fund will exist for the next five years, and after that it will be replenished to $10,000 no matter what. This is to ensure the continued learning of students without overfocusing on the profits of the fund.
Matter said that he got the idea from another Jesuit school, St. Xavier High School in Ohio. “It’s an all-boys school and a group of students came and had dinner with us at Prep last year. They told us about their investment fund and the business curriculum they had at their school. I feel like Prep has a lot of opportunity for business activities and education.”
In addition to the fund, Business Club’s other new initiative is inspired by one of the most popular reality TV shows of all time: Panther Tank. The name mimics the legendary show Shark Tank, where contestants present their innovative products to a panel of billionaire judges, or “sharks,” with the chance for investment and funding. While having smaller stakes, participants of Panther Tank have a similar opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship. “We wanted students to have the opportunity to practice real world business rather than just talk about it,” said Nacho Romero ’26, the co-president of the club.
Students will work in groups to create and produce a product they feel is missing from the Prep community. Then, just like the show, they will pitch their idea to a group of judges made up of adults from Panther Place, teachers, and club leaders. The judges will choose a winning product which will then be made and sold in Panther Place. “We wanted to get students involved in Panther Place so you can see what students want to see, not just what adults want to put into the shop,” said Matter.
Romero voiced a similar sentiment: “It’s a great way for students to think about how their business can also have an impact on community and what impact they want to have.”
Both the Student Investment Fund and Panther Tank provide Prep students with a unique opportunity to participate in direct business practices. This exciting new chapter for the club “will leave a lasting legacy on the school,” said Mr. Chism, the club’s moderator.
By creating two new programs that will only continue to grow as they become more established in the Prep community, the leaders hope to leave an impact that will long outlast their time at Prep. With an ambitious and innovative plan for the school year, it’s clear that the club means business.
