Rocheleau points out that CIP is an umbrella under which other programs can work. Rocheleau admits not everyone buys the new concept. Different levels of buy-in result, ranging from outright rejection to enthusiastic acceptance. Greg Lundahl, a senior at Mt. Edgecumbe, says that in addition to skeptics, other stumbling blocks include budget, politics, and con- flicting personalities. Communication is critical.
People have to let down their defenses and put their trust in the process.
A Tight Focus CIP isn't the only thing that makes Mt. Edgecumbe unique. Teachers at the high school emphasize the future social and economic needs of Alaska in classes. One of Mt. Edgecumbe's objectives is to teach the students how to be entrepreneurs in the hopes they will go back to their villages and better the community. Entrepreneurship plays a big role in Alaska, and much of the state's business is with Pacific Rim countries. During the 1988-89 school year, Edgecumbe Enterprises made four shipments of smoked salmon to Japanese customers.