WSC Students Gain Real-World Experience With Vending Machine

Williston State College's FBLA Collegiate chapter is combining business education with practical practice in unveiling a new vending machine in the Western Star CTE Building.

The vending machine, which will be maintained completely by students of the program, will help fundraising efforts.

Business Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Leah Windnagle, and Dr. Maren Furuseth, Professor and Program Coordinator of Accounting, looked for a creative approach to generate money while giving students ample time to get ready for their competitive events at the State and National Leadership Conferences.

The vending machine project gives students a special chance to put classroom information into use in a commercial environment. Students who own and run a vending machine will have a hands-on approach to apply consumer service, inventory control, financial literacy, and marketing techniques.

“Owning and managing a vending machine gives students a practical way to apply financial literacy, marketing strategies, inventory management, and customer service skills. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, showing students the relevancy of their classes and how they directly translate to the real world,” said Dr. Furuseth.

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Following their September 2024 research on vending machines, FBLA members purchased a unit and have assumed control of all inventory.

Thanks in part to support from the WSC Foundation, the vending machine debuted in the Western Star CTE Building in February 2025.

“A vending machine was placed in this building because of student demand identified in a Principles of Management class. The business students have always been passionate about ensuring WSC students have food access while also fundraising for their student organization,” noted Windnagle.