By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Airline High School students took a step toward real-world business experience with the opening of the Viking Exchange, a student-operated school store designed to bring classroom lessons in entrepreneurship and business management to life.
Airline High School and Red River Credit Union (RRCU) celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 16, at the school, located at 2801 Airline Drive in Bossier City.
The Viking Exchange serves as both a campus store and a retail learning laboratory, giving students enrolled in the Principles of Business class an opportunity to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business.
The partnership builds on RRCU’s commitment to financial education and helping students develop practical skills. Through the project, RRCU provides financial support, mentorship and guidance as students learn about the different aspects of retail operations.
Student workers gain experience in daily management, inventory, customer service, merchandising, marketing, sales and workplace safety. The curriculum is aligned with the National Retail Federation, connecting classroom instruction with the expectations of the retail industry.
The store also provides a convenient resource for Airline students, offering concessions, school supplies, uniforms and school spirit wear in one location.
Brad Winstead, Airline High School’s business teacher and the person behind the Viking Exchange concept, said the project brought together campus sales activities while creating an opportunity for students to become more involved in business education.
“This project has been incredible to see come to life,” Winstead said. “When the concept was first proposed, it seemed logical to centralize the various sales that took place on campus while working to create something that students could genuinely get excited about.”
Previously, the school relied on outside vendors and fundraising efforts to give students opportunities to purchase various products. The Viking Exchange created a way to bring those services together while allowing students to learn through direct involvement in business operations.
RRCU became a partner in the effort, helping turn Winstead’s idea into a practical learning experience.
The project continues RRCU’s work with local schools and students through financial education and community partnerships. Its business and marketing teams have supported the Viking Exchange by offering students guidance as they learn how business concepts translate into everyday decisions.
“It has been a pleasure working with Coach Winstead and to see the development of this truly unique venture that not only teaches students how to operate a business, but also helps support Bossier Parish Schools,” said Brad Bailey, RRCU CEO and president.
Through the store, students can apply what they learn in class to practical situations, including serving customers, promoting products and helping manage daily operations. The experience is intended to strengthen skills students can carry into future education, employment and business opportunities.
The Viking Exchange also provides a shared benefit for the school community by combining student learning with access to everyday school necessities and Viking merchandise.
The partnership between Airline High School and RRCU demonstrates how local schools and businesses can work together to create educational opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.