Entrepreneurship Everywhere
Sample Entrepreneurship Education
Programs in the United States
MAINE
No Programs Reported
MARYLAND
Garrett Information Enterprise Center
Sandy Major, Administrator
Garrett Information Enterprise Center
P.O. Box 151, Mosser Road
McHenry, MD 21541
301-387-3167
Fax: 301 387-0307
Email: sjmajor@earthlink.net
Web site: http://www.giecworks.com
Focus: Creating an environment for facilitating the successful
development of information intensive companies
Geographic Area: Garrett County and the region
Products and Services: Garrett Information Enterprise Center
(GIEC) is a technologically advanced building located on the Garrett
Community College campus, consisting of 20 office areas. In addition
to providing services for tenants, the center will support other local
small businesses as associate members by making available "an office
without walls". It is a combination of support services and resources
designed to meet the needs of young technology businesses.
Age Level: Adults of all ages
Key Partners: Garrett County Public Schools, Garrett Community
College, Allegany College of Maryland, Frostburg State University, the
Entrepreneurial and Technology work groups of the Western Maryland Task
Force, the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center, Maryland
DBED, and Tri-County Council.
Abstract: The creation of GIEC is a proactive approach to implementing
an economic strategy that addresses the critical unemployment problem
that plagues Garrett County and the region. During the past eight years
a number of technology based businesses have been founded in our region.
With the recent advances in our telecommunications infrastructure, Garrett
and Allegany Counties have become increasingly desirable locations for
these types of businesses. The new installation of "points of presence"
in the two counties make it even more feasible for Internet businesses
to be based in the region. GIEC is designed to create new jobs by strengthening
this strategically important business sector.
GIEC WORKS is an entrepreneurial training and resource project designed
to provide incubator tenant and associate businesses as well as other
information technology businesses within our region with skills assessment
and a just-in-time training plan in the areas of leadership, financial
management, and technical expertise resources. It will also provide
them with easy access to information on a wide range of financial and
technical resources. GIEC WORKS supports sustainable economic development
by enabling the successful development and profitability of small information
technology businesses in our region. This is achieved by:
- Building awareness about the link between effective entrepreneurial
skills and business success
- Providing skills assessment/just-in-time training plans and a
training resource database
- Assuring easy access to a network of technical and entrepreneurial
support resources
- Providing easily understood information on financing programs
Montgomery Blair High School
Derek Sontz, Entrepreneurship Instructor
Montgomery Blair High School,
Montgomery County Public Schools
51 E. University Blvd. Silver Spring, Maryland 20901
301 649-2876
E-mail: dss2@yahoo.com
Web site: http:///www.mbhs.edu
Types of Students Served: Montgomery Blair High School serves a diverse poplulation of students, with 30% receiving free and reduced lunch (FARM) although demographics show 50% eligible for FARM. Approximately 57 languages and 75 countries are represented within the school.
Abstract: The Blair Entrepreneurship program is designed to provide students with abilities in identifying business opportunities, starting and operating a business based on identified opportunities, and maintaining the business, successfully earning a profit. This is achieved by creating a business plan, and integrating guest speakers, field trips, technology, community involvement, and other projects, into the course.
Students have successfully created business plans, and run small businesses. Some students have competed in regional business plan competitions, with a group winning an award from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). As an instructor, I was awarded 2002 honorable mention for teacher of the year in 2002 and have gained 'adoption' (sponsorship) from a local entrepreneur to enhance classroom instruction and student opportunity.
Successful integration of parent involvment is a goal for this year, with the creation of a model program for school system wide implementation of the Blair Entrepreneurship program.
As a NFTE Certified Entrepreneurship Instructor, I have successfully implemented the NFTE curriculum, acquired sponsorships, and continually work on professional development by attending conferences related to Entrepreneurship all over the country.
Thomas Stone High School
Patricia Maxwell,
Business Education Teacher & Department Chair
Thomas Stone High School
3785 Leonardtown Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
301-645-2601
Fax: 301-932-4278
Email: pmaxwell@ccboe.com
Focus: High School students
Abstract: In the past, Principles of Management/Entrepreneurship has not been taught with the intended focus and students spent the year on reading about management. The management textbook was the only resource used and it never dealt with students learning about starting a business. Now the class is being taught with more emphasis on entrepreneurship. It is a class offered to all students. It is a full year course that focuses on entrepreneurship and managing a small business. Many outside resources, guest speakers, and field trips enhance the program.
Each student will complete a business plan as the capstone of the course. At the end of the year, students present their plans to members of the Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Charles County Board of Education, our Principal, and their peers by both PowerPoint and in an exhibition. The students are excited and it has created some talk around the school, hence creating more interest.
The instructor left the corporate world to teach business so that students could be better prepared for their futures. She has had several businesses of her own to include daycare, Financial Services, and currently a Real Estate Investment Company.
University of Maryland
Michael D. Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship
Director, The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship
Robert H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland
4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 300
College Park, MD 20740
301-403-4290
Fax: 301-403-4292
Email: dingman@rhsmith.umd.edu
Focus: The Michael D. Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship facilitates,
supports, and encourages entrepreneurship and new enterprise growth
in the Mid-Atlantic region through outreach, education, and research.
With its office at the University of Maryland at College Park, the center
is at the heart on one of the fastest growing regions for start-up and
high-technology businesses.
Abstract: The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship was founded
in 1986 when Michael Dingman, then chairman and CEO of the Henley Group,
and an alumnus of the University of Maryland at College Park, provided
a $2 million endowment to begin the center. Subsequently, Michael Dingman
has contributed an additional $4 million to the Dingman Center to be
used for scholarships, faculty research, and support development of
an undergraduate entrepreneurship curriculum.
Additional support is provided by an endowment from the Kanazawa Foundation
and from fees for services and from various contracts. Finally, the
Dingman Center has created the Inner Circle, a group of individuals
and firms who provide critical financial support to the center.
The Dingman Center is part of the Robert H. Smith School of Business
at the University of Maryland at College Park, the flagship campus of
the 11-campus University of Maryland System. As such, the center serves
as a link to many University of Maryland System resources. In particular,
the center has a close working relationship with the Engineering Research
Center, providing management services to companies located in the Technology
Advancement Program, a business incubator on the College Park campus.
The center also collaborates with the University of Maryland Baltimore
County (UMBC) in co-sponsoring the Entrepreneur Series of roundtables,
workshops, and short courses.
Dingman Center management is active in speaking to various civic, service,
professional, and other organizations as well as at conferences in order
to enhance the image of the university and to raise awareness for Dingman
Center programs. The director also serves on the advisory boards of
the three business incubators sponsored by UMCP, UMBC, and the Montgomery
County High Technology Council.
The Kauffman Entrepreneurial Internship Program In the summer
of 1999 the Kauffman Entrepreneurial Internship Program was managed
by the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Funded by a grant from the
Kauffman Foundation, the internship program gives students the opportunity
to work in fast-paced growth companies using their business and technical
expertise to enhance their entrepreneurial success.
- Students work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks beginning in late May
to early June.
- Students receive experience.
- Students are paid a stipend of $7,200, paid in three installments.
- Students must register for BMGT 828 Independent Study course.
- Students must give a written and oral presentation at the close
of their internship.
University of Maryland
The Hinman Campus Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEOs) program
Dr. David Barbe, Co-Director
Dr. Robert Baum, Co-Director
The Hinman Campus Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEOs) program
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20740
301-405-3677
E-mail: db8@umail.umd.edu
E-mail: jrbaum@rhsmith.umd.edu
Focus: University-based program
Abstract: The Hinman Campus Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEOs) program, the nation's first living-learning entrepreneurship initiative, brings students together from diverse majors to learn how to start their own businesses.
The CEOs Program arose from a partnership between the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Substantial services to the Program are provided by the Engineering Research Center and the Department of Entrepreneurship, while abroad array of services are also offered by the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, the Office of Technology Commercialization, the Office of Information Technology and Department of Resident Life.
A specialized, high-technology "e-Dorm," seminars and workshops from venture capitalists and successful businesspersons, industry-student mentoring, and unique entrepreneurship education courses give students a stimulating and supportive environment in which to dream and realize their ideas. The program culminates in a business plan for each new student venture and assistance to obtain financing.
Brian Hinman, University of Maryland Alumnus of the Clark School of Engineering and entrepreneur, provided $2.5M to initiate and support the program for its first ten years. The Program is a joint partnership between the A. James Clark School of Engineering and Robert H. Smith School of Business. It is co-directed by a faculty member from each of the two colleges.
Women's Business Institute
Beatrice A. Checket
Women's Business Institute
222 E. Baltimore Street
Taneytown, MD 21787
410-756-2334
Fax: 410-756-2936
Email: checket@juno.com
Web site: http://members.aol.com/bchecket
Focus: Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Maryland
Geographic Area: All rural Maryland counties and the West Virginia and Pennsylvania
counties immediately adjacent to the western Maryland counties of Washington,
Allegany, and Garrett
Products and Services: Entrepreneurial training programs, counseling,
networking facilitation, and intermediary loan services
Age Level: Adults of all ages
Key Partners: U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Women's
Business Ownership, Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps
of Retired Executives, community colleges, select community business
leaders and businesses, including chambers of commerce, and the YWCA
Abstract: The Women's Business Institute (WBI) is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. The center
provides services and programs that support and accelerate women's business
ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy. WBI enables
women to launch new businesses and to more successfully run existing
businesses.
The Women's Business Institute was founded in 1997 by Bea Checket,
founder and chief executive officer. Clients are provided with a variety
of mentoring, consulting, and training programs including:
Orientation and Business AssessmentA complementary program
that helps prospective and established women business owners clarify
their needs and learn about WBI resources.
First Step FastTrac (Welfare to Work)This 27-hour course
is given over 9 weeks and provides business training and computer workshops
for prospective business owners.
Premier FastTrac IThis nationally recognized 27-hour course
is offered to entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of a business
startup or who have been in business less than two years, and helps
participants evaluate and define their business concepts.
Premier FastTrac IIThis 33-hour course is a proven business
development process to boost profits and increase growth.
Women's Business RoundtablesA mentoring and support group
for women business owners to share and learn from each other, held in several areas of the state.
Consulting ServicesIndividualized consulting is provided
to prospective and existing women business owners.
Computer and Internet TrainingIntroductory courses are
given to teach computer skills and to teach clients the use of the Internet.
Loan Intermediary ServicesIntermediary services are provided
for application to the SBA Women's/Minority Prequalification Loan Program
and Microloan Program, including help in developing business plans and
writing loan applications.
Youth Entrepreneur Academy
Launching Entrepreneurs into Action Program
Baltimore City Office of Employment Development
Youth Entrepreneur Academy
417 E. Fayette Street, Suite 468
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-1910
Fax: 410-752-6625
Focus: Saturday program for youths
Abstract: The objectives of the program are to expose students
to positive role models from business who will introduce them to various
careers and encourage them to pursue careers in business and industry;
provide training to youths on starting and managing a business; strengthen
partnership arrangements with businesses, corporations, government agencies,
and educational institutions; provide students a financially risk-free
entrepreneurial business practicum; and enhance the emotional, academic,
and social development of participating youths.
Career awareness presentations are made by successful adult role models
from October through December to interest youths in entrepreneurship.
Students who express interest are invited to attend the Youth Entrepreneur
Academy, a series of business-skills and self-enhancement seminars that
offer participants the basic knowledge and practical application
skills needed to start and manage a small business. The faculty of the
academy includes both educators and business leaders.
The sessions of this ten-week academy are held on Saturdays from January
to March. During the academy, student teams generate business plans
that are entered into a competition. The five top-rated teams receive
priority enrollment into the business practicum known as Launching Entrepreneurs
into Action Program.
These students then receive financial and advisory support to implement
their plans. This advisory support is provided by the Business Owners
Start-Up Service program of the Council on Equal Business Opportunity.
The practicum runs from June to the end of July. In addition, students
in the practicum earn wages paid through the summer jobs program. The
program serves all interested Baltimore city youth age 12 to 21 and
the entire high school population of Baltimore City schools.
MASSACHUSETTS
Alliance All Purpose, Inc.
Alliance House
Stoneham, MA
617-438-6880
Focus: Business training and experience for youth
Abstract: Alliance All Purpose is a service business offering
assistance with yard work, auto
detailing, and other labor-intensive tasks. It is owned solely by the
residents and graduates of
Alliance House, a staff-secure, short-term assessment and intervention
for adolescent males age
13 to 17 years referred by the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.
Alliance All Purpose is a real corporation, owned by the residents
and graduates of Alliance
House. It is separated into two divisions: the Resident Division and
the Senior Division. The
Resident Division is for Alliance House residents, all of whom must
participate in the business. The
Senior Division is for Alliance House graduates, who, after they leave,
continue working with the
business either full-time or part-time. The goal of the Senior Division
is aftercareto keep former
residents employed, to reinforce positive behavior they learned at Alliance
House, and to provide
daily support.
Each Alliance House resident is a stockholder and Alliance All-Purpose
owner. The stockholders
meet every Monday morning for one hour. There is a five-member board
that includes up to two
Senior Division members. The board is elected by the stockholders and
holds weekly meetings to
decide policy issues. At the end of each month, after all expenses are
paid, the net profits are
divided among stockholders according to the numbers of hours they worked
during the month. A
portion of the proceeds of each job are kept in the business.
The classroom is used as a business training ground where the basic
skills for running business are
taught. The residents who attend school 5 to 7 hours daily learn basic
accounting, marketing, and
computer skills and customer relations skills. For example, a math class
on work problems
emphasizes how to calculate a job bid.
In the future, Alliance All-Purpose hopes to start a bank modeled
after the Grameen Bank of
Bangladesh. It will be available to those in the Senior Division. Those
starting a business will be
assigned a professional mentor and will meet with others in teams. Alliance
All-Purpose will be
part of PBS's This Old House programs.
Babson College
Dr. Steve Spinelli
Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship
Babson College
Babson Park, MA 02457-0310
781-235-1200
Fax: 781-235-1200
Email: webmaster@babson.edu_Massachusetts
Web site: www.babson.edu
Abstract:The college's founder, Roger Ward Babson, was a visionary financier
and a successful
entrepreneur and businessman. He was an educator ahead of his time,
and his entrepreneurial spirit
forms the philosophical foundation of Babson College.
For more than 75 years, Babson College has taken the lead in teaching
venture creation and
growth, and emphasized the vital place of entrepreneurial thinking within
established businesses.
Our expertise has been widely noted. In October 1998, Business Week
named the F.W. Olin
Graduate School of Business at Babson among the top 50 MBA programs
in the United States. In
the 1998 U.S. News and World Report survey of top national graduate
business programs, the
F.W. Olin Graduate School ranked first in entrepreneurship for the fifth
consecutive year.
In U.S. News and World Report's 1996 survey of the best business
schools for entrepreneurs,
Babson's undergraduate program ranked first in the United States (1996
was the last year of this
survey.)
Success magazine has included Babson among the 25 best business schools
for entrepreneurs
from 1994 to 1998.
At the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, the mission is
to enhance
entrepreneurship education and practice worldwide through the creation
and development of
teaching, outreach, and research initiatives that encourage and support
entrepreneurs and the spirit
of entrepreneurship. The study, promotion, and practice of entrepreneurial
leadership are essential
to Babson's mission and character. The spirit of entrepreneurship pervades
our curricular and
co-curricular activities, and the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship
is the hub of outreach,
research, and teaching in the field.
The Glavin Center for Global Entrepreneurial Leadership, launched in
1997, continues a
long tradition at Babson College of entrepreneurial innovation to meet
the needs of a changing
business world. Through the appointment of distinguished faculty members,
the center builds on
Babson's academic strength and leadership to develop new collaborations
in business, teaching,
and research worldwide. The center will broaden Babson's impact in the
international arena and
set the stage for new levels of achievement in Babson's mission to educate
entrepreneurially-minded men and women for positions of leadership in
the twenty-first century.
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, F.A.D. Embroidery
Service
Gayle Hsiao, Instructor
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (L.P.V.E.C.)
Career and Technical Education Center
20 Johnson Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
413-593-5586
Fax: 413-593-5586
Fax: 413-593-6003
Email: gaylehsiao@aol.com
Web site: http://www.lpvec.org/
Focus: Fashion trades/retail merchandising senior high school
(vocational) level
Abstract: In 19981999, we ran two pilot programs in the Fashion
Trades/Retail Merchandising program (F.A.D.). We introduced the NFTE
(National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship) curriculum and purchased
a Tajima TMEX-C1200 commercial embroidery machine.
Our original purpose was to enhance the Fashion Trades/Retail Merchandising
program with a training that would give our students a competitive edge
over any other applicant in a retail setting. The entrepreneurship instruction
would make our students better employees, even if they did not develop
the desire to start their own business. The embroidery machine would
give the students an opportunity to learn to design and create a multitude
of products, from logo clothing to personalized blankets to hats and
gift items.
As the program took form, we saw the two components offer the students
one of three options:
- They could start their own business using the embroidery machine
to create unique products for a niche market that the student would
be responsible for defining
- They could work for F.A.D. Embroidery Service selling retail through
our own school store or personal contacts
- They could be a part of the F.A.D. Embroidery Wholesale Service.
The wholesale business sells logo hats, clothing, and fleece blankets
to other school stores in the network of schools and community centers
in western Massachusetts participating in the NFTE program. The wholesale
business also sells personalized products and special orders to area
gift shops. This year, the F.A.D. Embroidery Service added a Web page
advertising the products and services available.
Through the Web site, a potential customer can see a sampling of the
products offered, and contact us for a brochure. The Web site development
was a senior project for one of the F.A.D. students.
Upon completion of the program, a trained student can take one of three
routes. He/she can start his/her own business by buying or leasing a
machine; find employment at any of a few embroiderers in
the area (at well over the typical minimum wage); or go for additional
training as a technician with the Tajima company.
Gayle Wilson Hsiao is an instructor at the Career and Technical Education
Center, the vocational high school for the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational
Collaborative. The collaborative serves seven communities; students
attend their home schools for their academics and come to the Career
TEC for their vocational training.
In 1998, Gayle became one of nine teachers to be granted certification
through training at Babson College's NFTE University in a pilot program
bringing entrepreneurship education to western Massachusetts. The local
schools work under the auspices of Springfield Technical Community College
as the Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneur Scholars) programs. We have now been
recognized as being the third-largest NFTE program in the country.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Entrepreneurship Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Entrepreneurship Center
70 Memorial Drive, Room E51-355
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-253-8653
Fax: 617-253-8633
Email: ecenter@mit.edu
Web site: http://entrepreneurship.mit.edu
Abstract: The mission of the MIT Entrepreneurship Center is
to train and develop leaders who will make high-tech ventures successful.
To that end, we offer educational programs to inspire, train, and coach
new generations of entrepreneurs from all parts of MIT.
The MIT Sloan School of Management ranks among the top educational
and research institutes in the world. This claim is possible because
the university boasts an outstanding and committed faculty. Over 25
faculty members specialize in entrepreneurship or new ventures.
To sustain and expand the entrepreneurial, creative tradition, the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology established the MIT Entrepreneurship
Center with seed funding from the Kauffman Foundation's Center for
Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Coleman Foundation, and the Lemelson
Foundation. Located at the MIT Sloan School of Management, the interdisciplinary
center provides a central focus for the broad and growing array of activities,
programs, and resources in entrepreneurship from all the schools and
departments of the institute, as well as from the broader venture community.
The center works actively to design and implement novel education and
research programs that will lay the groundwork for the future practice
of entrepreneurship.
If the companies founded by MIT graduates and faculty formed an independent
nation, the revenues produced by the companies would make that nation
the 24th-largest economy in the world. A 1996 study prepared by the
Economics Department of Bank Boston found that the 4,000 MIT-related
companies that exist today employ 1.1 million people and have annual
world sales of $232 billion. That is roughly equal to a gross domestic
product of $116 billion, which is a little less than the1996 GDP of
South Africa and more than that of Thailand.
Since MIT was founded by an act of the Massachusetts state legislature,
entrepreneurship has been a core value of the MIT culture. The act established
MIT for "the advancement, development, and practical application
of science in connection with arts, agriculture, manufactures, and commerce." In
this spirit, MIT scientists,
engineers, and managers believe that it is not enough merely to invent
a new product, concept, or technology. The measure of success is global
commercialization and widespread acceptance of their innovations. The
MIT Entrepreneurship Center works to coordinate and strengthen this
vital force, to promote a better understanding of it, and to promulgate
the lessons learned for the benefit of all. In the process, faculty
develop new paradigms for teaching students how to be successful high-tech
entrepreneurs.
MIT's entrepreneurship professors and instructors use a variety of
teaching methods: case studies, internships, external review of student
assignments by venture capitalists, guest lectures, and student projects.
All courses involve teamwork and a focus on presentation skills.
The Lemelson-MIT Prize Program was created in 1994 to encourage young
Americans to pursue careers in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The program awards the world's largest prize for invention and innovation,
the half-million-dollar Lemelson-MIT Prize, as well as MIT student awards
for inventiveness and doctoral fellowships seeking to create a more
innovative and entrepreneurial environment in the United States.
The MIT $50,000 Entrepreneurship Competition is an annual student-run
competition that provides resources and inspiration to encourage students
and researchers in the MIT community to act on their energy, ideas,
and talent to produce tomorrow's leading firms. Judges drawn from business
angels, venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and professional-services firms award $50,000 in cash and business services to the three
winning teams. In its nine-year history, over 30 companies have sprung
out of the competition. These ventures have received over $185 million
in capital investment and created over 300 jobs.
Massachusetts MicroEnterprise Association
African and American Friendship
Alusaine K. Deen, Executive Director
Massachusetts MicroEnterprise Association
P.O. Box 29
Boston, MA 02126
617-327-0313
Fax: 617-327-0239
Focus: Business training through classroom and field trips
Geographic Area: Boston area
Products and Services: Business development training
Age Level: Youth and young adults
Abstract: As part of the Massachusetts MicroEnterprise Association,
African and American
Friendship works with youths age 12 to 25 in the economically depressed
areas of Boston, such
as Dorchester. It was established in 1986 and started its entrepreneurship
program in 1995. The
program provides business training through classroom and field trips
for youths in disadvantaged
Boston communities and provides start-up money to youths who start their
own microenterprise.
Springfield Technical Community College
Entrepreneurial Institute
Thomas A. Goodrow, Founding Director
Entrepreneurial Institute
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square
Springfield, MA 01105
413-755-6107
Email: tgoodrow@stcc.edu
Web site: http://www.eship.org
Focus: Full service support for developing local entrepreneurs
Abstract: The Entrepreneurial Institute is a natural development which has evolved in order to comprehensively meet the emerging demand for entrepreneurial education that is currently sweeping this country. This widespread support for entrepreneurship education provides a rich context for the work of the Springfield Technical Community College School of Business and Informational Technology's Entrepreneurial Institute.
The Entrepreneurial Institute provides a "one stop" approach to entrepreneurial education for entrepreneurs who seek start-up or growth knowledge and information. Credit and non-credit courses are offered by a well-balanced team of specialized professionals in all subjects relating to new business start-ups and ongoing small businesses. The Entrepreneurial Institute also offers interdisciplinary programs involving experiential learning, internships, and cooperatives which enable people to learn first-hand the anguish and joys of starting and growing their own businesses.
Reaching into the community in order to increase the stream of new entrepreneurs who can grow and develop new companies, the Entrepreneurial Institute functions as a coalescing force in the development and delivery of entrepreneurial education across the spectrum of present and future business owners.
Located on both the campus of Springfield Technical Community College and the STCC Technology Park, the Entrepreneurial Institute will serve as an integral part of the College's Springfield Enterprise Center by providing one-on-one individual advising and a full range of information and services for present and future entrepreneurs. As part of an innovative partnership between business and education, the Entrepreneurial Institute is prepared to foster and support economic development in the region at the K-8, postsecondary and adult levels.
Mr. Goodrow is the co-founder of the Entrepreneurial Institute at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) in November 1996, in collaboration with entrepreneur/educator Dr. Stephen Spinelli, Jr., Professor, Babson College. Dedicated to promulgating entrepreneurship education, the Entrepreneurial Institute at STCC serves as a "one-stop" center of entrepreneurship education for present and future business owners.
These programs include a Student Incubator, which is one of only a handful in the country at the community college level. Mr. Goodrow has successfully raised over 1.5 million dollars from private and public foundations, as well as securing additional individual donations from area entrepreneurs in support of expanding the Entrepreneurial Institute to meet the rapidly growing demand for entrepreneurship education.
This program highlights the evolutionary process of building a student business incubation program, as part of a K-14 student entrepreneurship education pipeline, in partnership with institutions of higher education. Student business incubators as accelerators for new venture creations is featured
MICHIGAN
A Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center
Detroit Public Schools, The Ultimate Boutique
Arlene Greene-Gibson, Program Manager
Fashion Marketing/Retail Management/Entrepreneurship
A Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center
Detroit Public Schools
24790 Plumridge Lane
Southfield, MI 48034
248-350-9470
Fax: 313-494-7114
Email: AGFASHION@msn.com
Focus: An instructional program that prepares individuals to
perform marketing and management functions and tasks in retail establishment,
wholesale establishments, and manufacturing firms engaged in marketing
clothing and related articles for personal wear and adornment.
Geographic Area: Detroit schools
Products and Services: The Ultimate Boutique, a real business
operation, is an integral component of the Fashion Marketing/Retail
Management Program.
Age Level: Students in grades 912 who have selected a fashion
management/entrepreneurial career path.
Abstract: This two-year program prepares students to perform
marketing and management function and tasks for careers in fashion merchandising.
Second-year students are exposed to entrepreneurship education standards
via research in their respective career pathway utilizing DECA's Merit
Award Program.
The program's school store laboratory, the Ultimate Boutique, is an
integral component to the curriculum. It provides a real upscale business
operation. Students are exposed to all phases of store operations, such
as management, financing, market information management, buying, budgeting
considerations, determining prices, product service planning, promotion,
and more. The business, whose major target audience consists of the
Detroit Public School students, teachers, and administrators, helps
fashion associates develop the necessary skills for success in the fields
of marketing, merchandising, and entrepreneurship.
Bay Arenac ISD Career Center
Susan Curtiss, Instructor
Bay Arenac ISD Career Center
4155 Monitor Road
Bay City MI 48706
989-667-8906
Fax 989-684-6299
Email: curtiss@baisd.net
Web site: http://www.baisd.net
Focus: Marketing & Management Technical Academy for high school juniors and seniors.
Abstract: The Academy is an exciting partnership program designed for students to learn professional Marketing and Entrepreneurial skills. It is a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors that attend the Bay Arenac ISD Career Center. Marketing & Management Technical Academy I provides students with the business and entrepreneurial skills necessary to prepare students for mid-level marketing careers. The development of human relations, leadership, communications, and team building skills is emphasized. The students rotate through various mentorship experiences to gain the knowledge and skills necessary in this occupational area.
Marketing & Management Technical Academy II curriculum is in depth and specialized. Students select an area of specialization (for example, entrepreneurship) to research the first semester. They develop a thirty-page business plan or E-commerce project and submit this for DECA competition. The second semester, students are ona paid intrnship in their specialized area.
The Marketing & Management Technical Academy is located in the Bay City Mall. The program partners with 11 sending high schools and Delta Community College. Also a working partnership has been developed with 68 area businesses. These businesses offer two wekk mentorship sites, three to four times per year, as well as tours, guest speakers, advisory board members, and DECA judges. The classroom consists of a computer lab and lecture area. Display windows that change every two weeks flank the entrance. This offers an excellent experience for the students to showcase their visual merchandising skills and interact with the mall merchants.
Students are able to articulate up to 22 business college credit hours for Delta Community College after completing two years in the program. One graduate now attends Northwood University on a full tuition scholarship. Program experiences have also enabled students to be successful in district and state DECA competitions.
BizE Youth Business Education
Angela Egner, Executive Director
BizE Youth Business Education Programs
2155 Crestline Drive
Burton, MI 48509
810-744-1173
Email: nowgetbize@aol.com
Web site: www.beebize.com
Focus: Multi-level, curriculum-linked young entrepreneur and inventor programs.
Geographic Area: Michigan
Products and Services: Student Programs (Work texts and Instructor Manuals)
Key Partners: Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools, Genesee Area Focus Council (a nonprofit economic development consortium of Genesee Area institutions and companies).
Abstract: BizE is a new young entrepreneur/inventor initiative developed
by Angela Egner and being piloted at three Michigan schools through a partnership
with the Genesee Area Focus Council.
BizE's innovative curriculum is designed to facilitate the development
of entrepreneurial know-how while honing academic skills. BizE is comprehensive
in that it provides multi-grade level curriculum that may be implemented
sequentially or as standalone programs. The curriculum may begin as early
as third grade and continue through high school, with distinct course content,
skill-development, and teaching techniques at each level. Action-packed and
engaging, the curriculum is fresh, fun, and powerful.
Recognizing the importance of technology development in America's free
enterprise system, BizE has also developed a specific program called Invent,
Inc., which uniquely combines entrepreneurship with the invention process.
BizE materials were developed with the intense involvement of a team of
teacher consultants involved in the pilot effort. Its lessons have been mapped
to the Michigan Curriculum Framework, as well as national economic education
standards.
All BizE programs will be available in two formats (20 and 40 hours) to
meet a wide-range of instructional formats, timetables and needs. Detailed
lesson plans and rubrics are provided for various requirements, including
classroom, after-school, summer program or camp formats. Additionally, BizE
provides superb instructor workshops and onsite planning support.
BizE will be offered to other Michigan schools in 2003 and available nationally in 2004.
Student Programs (Work texts and Instructor Manuals) are as follows:
- Show 'N Sell (Level 1: Grades 3 - 6) Elementary youth are introduced
to entrepreneurship with the creation of a themed classroom business that
makes and markets its products or services. Production and marketing are
emphasized. Strong vocabulary, reading, research and math curriculum connections.
- Invent, Inc. (Level 2: Grades 5 - 8+) Upper elementary and middle-school
youth engage in the invention process as they explore entrepreneurship. Students
are organized into themed teams that invent marketable products. Heavy science
concentration, with math and writing also emphasized.
- Venture-Out (Level 3: Grade 7-10+) Young teens discover their own
abilities, opportunities, and ambitions as they develop independent businesses.
Business planning, marketing and finance are emphasized, with academic skill
development in all curriculum areas.
All BizE programs will be available in two formats (20 and 40 hours) to
meet a wide-range of implementation formats, timetables and needs. Detailed
lesson plans and rubrics are provided for various requirements, including
classroom, after-school, summer program or camp formats.
Commerce in the Classroom Workshop: One-day orientation to youth
entrepreneurship education and BizE programs for teachers, administrators,
agency staff, and other educators. Includes Biz Basics business and economics
instruction.
Get BizE: BizE Program Planning Workshop: Two-day onsite workshop.
First day is "Commerce in the Classroom" customized for the site's implementation
efforts. The second day is a facilitated program planning and implementation
workshop. Lesson plans are reviewed in detail to ensure the instructional
staff is confidently prepared to implement the program.
Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan
Generation E Entrepreneurship Education
Don Mercer, CEO of Community Action Agency (CAA) of South Central Michigan
Cheryl Peters, Generation E Coordinator
Community Action Agency
175 E. Main, PO Box 1026
Battle Creek, MI 49016
(269) 965-7766
(269) 441-1324
1-877-422-2726
Fax: (269) 965-1152
Email: donm@caascm.org
Email: cherylp@caascm.org
Focus: Curriculum developed for middle and high school students providing experiential entrepreneurship learning experiences at all grade levels.
Geographic Area: Michigan
Products and Services: Middle school and high school curriculums written based on the National Content Standards and Benchmarks. Continuing Education course offered at Kellogg Community College.
Key Partners: Battle Creek Public Schools, Albion Public Schools,
Branch Area Careers Center, Lakeview Public Schools, Kellogg Community College and the Community Action Agency.
Abstract: Generation E is an entrepreneurship education program designed to bring training and experiences to youth. Originally funded by grants from the Coleman Foundation and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the vision was to eliminate the culture of poverty, replace it with the entrepreneurial spirit, and thereby improve the economy of the local area and Michigan.
The Generation E curriculum was written to provide experiential learning experiences to youth. There are separate curriculums developed for middle and high school, with additional curriculums being developed for technology centers and community college level study.
This curriculum is taught as a 3 week unit, a 6 week unit or a semester class. All students have the experience of operating their own business (or a partnership), developing their concept, advertising their product/service, producing their product and culminating in the sale or offering the service within their school and/or community. In addition, this curriculum is written so that it can be incorporated into any classroom where the teacher wishes to expose students to the skills needed to become an entrepreneur.
Detroit Public Schools
Rosalind E. Denning
Entrepreneurship 2000
Project Coordinator
Detroit Public Schools
5057 Woodward Suite 914
313-494-2196
Fax: 313-494-1132
rosalind.denning@detroit k12.org
Focus: entrepreneurship as a career option for high school students
Age Level: 10th - 12 grade
Geographic Area: Detroit, Michigan
Sponsors: Partners in this project are Bank One and New Detroit, Inc.
Abstract: Detroit Public Schools is committed to providing youth with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to include business ownership as a viable career option. To accomplish this, programs have been designed and implemented to provide students with an understanding about running a business as an entrepreneur.
This program exposes 10th through 12th grade students in Empowerment Zone schools to the concepts and practices necessary to operate a small business. Preparation through academic and technical training integrated with small business models represents the programs primary focus. Students are provided hands-on opportunities through incubator businesses to sell products and fiscally manage a business. Through the use of mentors, students receive additional guided practice and advice on entrepreneurial related topics. Entrepreneurship 2000 students are expected to:
- Design a product or service related to Career and Technical Education.
- Practice the needed steps to develop, market and fiscally manage a business.
- Establish a line of credit through saving proceeds from the sale of a product or service.
- Understand the value of utilizing available resources through mentor relationships.
- Acquire a mindset of self-sufficiency.
The courses involved in this training are: Foods and Nutrition, Clothing, Office Technology, Printing and Graphics and Child Care.
Girl Scouts, Fair Winds Council
Tui J Roper, Entrepreneurial Education Specialist
Girl Scouts, Fair Winds Council
2029-C South Elms Road
Swartz Creek, MI 48473
810-230-0244
Fax: 810-230-0955
Email: troper@fwgsc.org
Focus: Entrepreneurial education and financial literacy for
girls in K12 grades.
Geographic Area: Genesee, Shiawassee, Oakland, and Lapeer Counties
of Michigan.
Age Level: Girls age 5 through 18
Abstract: We are developing an age-appropriate entrepreneurial education and
economic empowerment curriculum for girls grade K12.
Last year we served over 400 girls in the counties surrounding the
city of Flint. We would like to expand this program and train other
Girl Scout Councils across the country. To date, this is the only formal
entrepreneurial education program within a Girl Scout council.
All programs target females from all racial, ethnic, religious, and
economic backgrounds. We also offer special programs that target teen
moms and bilingual migrant students.
Description of the programs:
- Business FunCamp 0' Fair Winds: Two-week business camp for girls
in grades 46. The business curriculum teaches the young girls how
to start a business, create a business plan, and find financing options,
as well as increase their self-esteem through high ropes and climbing
walls.
- Camp $tart-UpThe Timbers Camp: Two-week business camp for girls
in grades 712. The business curriculum integrates teaching material
from Independent Means, Inc. Local businesswomen interact with the
girls and assist them in creating a business plan, and learning economic
empowerment.
- Teen Mom Program; Eigh-week educational series during the school
day for teen moms, teaching business ownership, writing a business
plan, and resources to get started.
Miscellaneous programs: Various workshops and programs are offered throughout
the school year to Brownies and Girl Scouts, as well as non-Girl Scouts.
The objectives of these programs are to (1) make girl-oriented economic
education accessible to the community at large, (2) increase the
economic literacy skills of the girl participants, and (3) provide women
business owners as role models to young girls.
Viscom Instructor GASC Technology Center G-5081 Torrey Rd. Flint MI 48507 810-760-1444 x236 Fax: 810-760-7759 www.calhounisd.org
GASC Technology Center
Entrepreneurship . . . Vocational Style
Michael D Crawford, Instructor, GASC Technology Center
G5081 Torrey Road
Flint, MI 48507
810-760-1444, x236
Fax: 810-760-7759
Email: CRAWFMIC@gasc.flint.k12.mi.us
Focus: High school programs
Abstract: Entrepreneurship has been the focus of a program at GASC
Technology Center in Flint, Michigan for a number of years. The program teaches juniors and
seniors all the aspects of
preparing and writing a business plan. Students present the plan to
a business panel for approval.
A unique feature of the program in the in-school incubator, where students offer various
products and services to students in their break times.
Ishpeming High School
Lisa Mongiat, Teacher
Business, Marketing Teacher
Ishpeming High School
319 E Division Street
Ishpeming MI 49849
906-485-1066
Fax 906-485-4750
Email: mongiat@aol.com
Focus: High School Students
Abstract: REAL Entrepreneur is a two semester class. Students who have taken the class may sign up for it again to continue where they left off the previous time. This class is designed to develop entrepreneurial talent, knowledge, skills and attitudes and guides the student through the process of planning, creating, and operating a small business of their own design using experiential (hands-on) learning. It mirrors the real world.
This will be its fourth year of operation. The class as a whole plans, organizes and operates a school store which is housed in the new gym, a student credit union, which is a full-service credit union open to students, faculty and alumni, and a small business service center located in our downtown. Students have the opportunity to learn a position or positions in any of these businesses. Students signing up for the second year of entrepreneurship will enforce the skills they learned previously by "training in" the new students in the positions of the businesses. Then the second year students will learn another aspect of the business.
Second and third year students may also open and operate their own business upon completion of a community analysis and business plan. This is not a requirement, but an opportunity available through the class based on their business plan idea and approval of the teacher and school. Students who open their own businesses will gain valuable knowledge for their future. They will be partnered with a business leader in our community to mentor and assist them through the process, along with classroom assistance and training.
Many students have had the opportunity to own and operate their own businesses through this program. Student businesses have included: web page design, hand made jewelry, a dance studio, historical walking tour, homework service, desktop publishing, and personal shopping service to name a few. As in real life the student businesses may be successful or not successful, but either way the students gain valuable experiences about real-life business for their future.
Lisa Mongiat has been teaching at the Ishpeming High School for five years. She is the business education teacher co-op, intern and career prep coordinator and Business Professionals of America .
Michigan REAL Enterprises
Ms. Judy Chapman
Mr. Brad Wagner
School of Business & Economics
Michigan Tech University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49311
906-487-2669
Fax: 906-487-7863
Email: jachapma@mtu.edu
Email: bwwagner@mtu.edu
Web site: http://www.sbea.mtu.edu/sbe/REAL/index.html
Focus: Experiential entrepreneurship education for elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as community colleges and adult entrepreneurship programs. Also adaptable for after-school, out-of-school, and camp contexts.
Geographic Area: Michigan
Products and Services: Comprehensive professional development program for instructors (institutes, in-service seminars, site visits); experiential, activity-based entrepreneurship curricula with integrated technology and student workbooks for high school/post-secondary ("REAL entrepreneurship") and elementary/middle schools ("Mini/Middle REAL"); materials and support for establishing successful local programs; targeted entrepreneurship development modules for displaced workers; evaluation and documentation of student demographics, learning outcomes, and business development results; School-Based Enterprise module/training.
Age Level: Children (grades 5-8), youths (grades 9-12), and adults of all ages
Key Partners: National REAL Enterprises, Michigan Tech University. At the local level: entrepreneurs, small business assistance providers, and community development advocates through a community support team created by each local program.
Abstract: Founded in the early 1980s, REAL Enterprises' mission is to help individuals, schools, communities, and rural America grow through hands-on entrepreneurship education. REAL is committed to preparing youths and adults to be active, self-sufficient, and productive citizens and effective contributors to community and economic development by: creating and sustaining a national network of dynamic entrepreneurship educators supported by effective member organizations, providing high-quality hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum and training for K-16 educators; advocating for experiential education and entrepreneurship; and documenting REAL's effectiveness for students and teachers. REAL serves and supports schools and teachers through nonprofit national and member organizations throughout the United States, six of which serve states in the ARC service region.
How it Works: At the high school/post-secondary level, REAL guides students through the process of creating small businesses of their own design. The process includes:
- self-assessment to determine students' potential and existing marketable strengths
- community analysis to identify needs and trends in the local economy
- researching/writing a comprehensive business plan for a student's chosen enterprise
- start-up support for participants who choose to open and operate enterprises.
A community support team of entrepreneurs and others from the local community assists each local program. REAL has been successfully integrated into existing post-secondary degree/certificate programs and has demonstrated its ability to create successful businesses.
In elementary and middle schools, Mini/Middle REAL helps students explore entrepreneurship in the context of a fully functioning in-school community (with a "Merchant's Mall," government, revenue, and court system), understand the economic implications of career and lifestyle choices, and apply entrepreneurial practices to school-based enterprises and community needs.
SouthField-Lathrup Senior High School
Veda Cook
Marketing Instructor/Deca Advisor
SouthField-Lathrup Senior High School
19301 West Twelve Mile
Southfield, MI 48076
248-746-2312
Fax: 248-746-7665
Geographic Area: Michigan
Age Level: 9th-12th Grade
Abstract: As a recipient of the Kauffman Entrepreneurship Chapter
grant, this high school has added Entrepreneurship as one of the electives
of their very popular Marketing program for high school students. The program
runs a school store that has been expanded into a coffee shop.
Western International High School
Office Technology and Entrepreneurship
Jane A Turner, Office Technology Manager/Instructor
Career and Technical Education Department
Western International High School
Room 111
1500 Scotten Avenue
Detroit, MI 48209
313-849-4758, x2075
Fax: 313-494-1015
Email: JTurner007@aol.com
Focus: High school business education program
Abstract: Western International High School is a multi-cultural high school located in Southwest Detroit. It is located in an Empowerment Zone district. Students in grades 10 - 12 must complete a basic business course before acceptance in the Office Technology Program.
The Office Technology program provides students with computer and office occupation skills that wil enable them to operate a small desktop publishing business, or obtain entry-level employment in the office occupation field.
The program provides students with the necessary skills to successfully manage and operate a small business upon graduation from high school. The students create a business plan and that plan is the basis for the desktop publishing business. In addition to operating a desktop publishing firm, the curriculum enables students to utilize previously learned computer application skills and to enhance those skills.
MINNESOTA
Humboldt Senior High School
H.A.W.K (Humboldt Agricultural Working Kids) CompanyProduct Development
Rebecca Sauser Christopherson, Family and Consumer Sciences Instructor
Diane Schroepfer, Science Instructor
Humboldt Senior High School
30 East Baker Street
Saint Paul, MN 55107
651-293-8600
Fax: 651-293-8605
Email: rebecca.christopherson@spps.org
diane.schroepfer@spps.org
Web site: http://www.spps.org/Humboldt/home.html
Focus: Entrepreneurship project-based opportunity for urban
youth
Age level: Grades 912
Abstract: H.A.W.K. Company is an entrepreneurship project-based
opportunity for urban youth to research, develop, produce, and sell a
value-added agricultural product. It is team-taught by both a family
and consumer sciences instructor and a science teacher/facilitator, with cooperation
from every department in the school, which gives the course a truly
cross-disciplinary approach. Each teacher involved brings a unique business
perspective to the course. The students operate the company based on
directives from their elected board of directors, which has participation
from school administration, the school board, the community, parents, students,
and business partners. The class meets six of the Minnesota Graduation
Standards over a three-year period.
Special students served include inner-city, urban youth grades 9 through
12, with 78 percent persons of color equally distributed between Hispanic,
African American, and Asian; multicultural and diverse; 75 percent free and reduced-
lunch recipients; cross-section of regular and special-needs students; difficult
to motivate students and underachievers. A great group of students to work with!
Students have developed salable products including dill dip, salsa
mix, soybean snack mix, and native flowers. They intend to build the
program to the extent where any student can develop their own idea for
a product to be brought to market. They want to share their ideas, thoughts, and
findings from this coursework by attending or demonstrating their knowledge
at conferences, conventions, and meetings, or by Web sites, videoconferencing, and other technologies. Students are developing lifelong
business skills with this project based class.
Susan B Anthony Community Middle School
Jeanne Morford, Teacher
Anthony Middle School
5757 Irving Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612-668-3240
Fax: 612-668-3250
Email: jmorford@visi.com
Focus: Middle school entrepreneurship course
Abstract: This is the third year that the Owning Your Own Business
class has been offered as a semester elective at Anthony Middle School,
which is part of the Minneapolis Public School System. Each class has
served as least 25 students. The main curriculum used comes from NFTE
(National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship) materials.
Local entrepreneurs are invited in weekly to speak to students and
answer their questions. Every student is required to complete their
own business plan and present their plan to a panel of judges from the
community. A local business called MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development
Associationa nonprofit organization that helps adults start
their own businessprovides volunteers to act as consultants to the
students.
Students learn the basic skills required to complete a business plan,
as well as negotiating and bookkeeping skills. In addition, students
learn how to calculate costs and expenses and how to manage their time
and market their business ideas. Students not only learn the basics
of starting a business but also have the opportunity to develop their
communication and presentation skills, as they are required to verbally
and graphically present their business plan. With the help of the financial
services community, students visit the trading floor of a major brokerage
firm and have a segment on basic investing. Students also play a stock
market game by selecting stocks and monitoring their investments.
Presently the OYOB program is the only entrepreneurship program being
taught at any level in the Minneapolis Public School System. This program
requires substantial additional outside funding, as we receive no money
from Minneapolis Public Schools. All funding comes from the business
community; we are required to raise all funds needed to teach this
program. I have done so by writing grants and explaining my program
to members of the business community. In the long term, I would like to be
a mentor for teachers in the Minneapolis school district who are interested
in teaching entrepreneurship.
Women in Community Service
Becky A Cole, Volunteer Advisor
Women in Community Service
515 E Grant St., #305
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-359-0897
Email: beckycole@juno.com
Web site: www.wics.org
Focus: Economically disadvantaged youth
Products and Services: Training
Age Level: Youths interested in starting a business
Key Partners: Community-based volunteer program
Abstract: This entrepreneurial training program is a part of
the services of a community-based
organization called Women in Community Service. It attracts economically
disadvantaged youth,
including but not limited to students who have been in the federal Job
Corps program.
The program is designed to teach entrepreneurial skills as well as
provide an incubator-type
setting, where applicable, to develop products and services for the
participants to market. It
emphasizes becoming involved in community groups such as Toastmasters,
BPW, Jaycees, etc., to
develop additional marketing skills. The program provides resources
on an ongoing basis.
MISSOURI
Clayton High School
Cindy Herman, Chairman
PA and Technology Department
School District of Clayton - Clayton High School
#1 Mark Twain Circle
Clayton, MO 63105
314-726-2575
Fax: 314-726-4903
Email: Cynthia_herman@clayton.k12.mo.us
Web site: http://www.chs.clayton.k12.mo.us/academic/PracArts/PABus.htm
Focus: high school program
Abstract: The goal of the Clayton School District is to recognize individual differences and to provide each child with a positive and complete educational experience. The district participates in the voluntary transfer program with the City of St. Louis. Clayton High School serves a diverse population of students that includes children who speak 28 different languages and originate from 30 different countries. This is due in part to the presence of a major university, a college, and a seminary within the District's boundaries. Entrepreneurship serves this diverse population. The class is a mixture of various races and nationalities. It also serves Special School District and English as Second Language students.
Most students may not start their own business but I still feel that it is essential that they be exposed to the idea and learn what is involved. This experience will help them have a better understanding of business. For this class, all of my students prepare a prospectus to start a new business. They go through the entire process from selecting a location, to developing a product, studying the market, identifying customers, selecting location, looking at legal restrictions, developing promotion, and determining financing.
Clayton's program is quite unique. The class meeting schedule is different from most schools. All classes are one semester in length. All the students enrolled in a particular class meet together one morning before school. Students then come to small group sessions during their lunch hour on either A or B days. This type of scheduling allows for great flexibility when working with the students as a whole group or working with a small group of students in the informal lunch sessions (students bring in their lunch and eat during class). This type of schedule was initiated because it was difficult for students to fit the classes into their schedule. 98% of the students who graduated from CHS in 2000 went to college and a majority of our students take AP/Honors courses. In 2000, 289 AP tests were taken with 86% passing with a score of 3, 4, or 5. (Leading Educational Indicators of Student Success, 1999-2000 Assessment Study, Clayton School District) This type of flexible schedule allows students to take the courses in our program.
Several of my students have actually used their prospectus to gain financing and are now operating their own business. Another way that the impact of our program on student achievement can be seen is through the college admissions and career selections of our students. As previously stated, 98% of our students went on to college. Of the students enrolled in our program last year, all students were admitted to college and the vast majority of those students were intending to declare business as their major.
My program was also featured as a cover story on Channel 5. This generated a great deal of discussion in the community and many positive responses from parents. In the story, I was interviewed about the program, my classroom and its activities were featured, and individual students were also interviewed.
Another innovative activity that is conducted is the New York Field Trip. The philosophy of our trip is to provide students with meaningful access to the leading professionals in the marketing, management, and entrepreneurship fields, as well as exposure to the realities of the business environment. The purpose of the trip is to educate and enrich students by effectively extending the realm of the classroom. The trip that we take includes seminars and workshops with some of the world's leading designers, boutique owners, and store owners. All the seminar leaders are open and honest about the realities of their field in terms of salaries, competition, training required and career opportunities. Students come away from the seminars with very deep and rich impressions of the various entrepreneurial opportunities. In some cases, students have determined more clearly whether or not they would like to pursue a certain career.
We also work with the AAJM Management Association, Xerox, and the St. Louis Rams Foundation to take students on field trips and seminars through the Future Executives program. Students participate in a monthly activity where they have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of business needs and see on an individual basis how business functions on a day-to-day basis. Students visit with entrepreneurs at both large and small businesses.
Crowder College
Student Corporation... Organized, Directed, and Operated by Students!
Sherry McCormack, Business Professor
Crowder College
601 Laclede Dr.
Neosho, MO 64850
417-451-3223, Ext. 324
Email: smccorma@crowdercollege.net
Focus: Community college multidisciplinary program
Geographic Area: Crowder Community College District
Products and Services: Varies depending on the resources available
and the needs of the college
Age Level: College students
Abstract: Crowder College administration and faculty joined
to create the framework for a
company organized and operated by students from all areas on campus.
This multidisciplinary
approach includes programs with the following types of degrees: associate
of arts, associate of
science, associate of applied science, and certificate programs.
Fort Osage Career and Technology Center,
Entrepreneurial Studies Program
Carol J Bolin, Teacher/Coordinator
Fort Osage Career and Technology Center
2101 North Twyman Road
Independence, MO 64058
816-795-3305
Fax: 816-795-3302
Email: cbolin@fortosage.k12.mo.us
Focus: High school vocational program
Abstract: The Entrepreneurial Studies Program serves high school
seniors from Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Fort Osage, Independence (Truman
and Chrisman), Blue Springs, and Blue Springs South. The program is
a course designed to assist students with the essentials of planning,
starting, and operating a business. Students will also learn about the
rewards and challenges of small business management, finance, staff,
technology, and the management processes necessary for success through
classroom training, practical experience, and an internship.
The program is a joint venture with the Simon Youth Foundation and
the school districts. They are located in the Independence Center mall. Students get the opportunity to work with managers and upper
managers to experience the challenges they will face in running a business.
The Learning ExchangeExchange City
Executive Director
The Learning Exchange
3132 Pennsylvania
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-751-4100 or 800-754-4414
Focus: Middle school students experience economics and entrepreneurship
Abstract: The mission of the Learning Exchange is to enable
educators to imagine, investigate,
and create new visions of teaching and learning to prepare students
for our rapidly changing world.
Exchange City is a hands-on learning experience for fifth and sixth graders
about economics and entrepreneurship. The curriculum is presented in four progressive stages.
First, teachers, parents, and volunteers attend on-site training workshops.
Next, students study a
six-week classroom course about basic economic concepts. Everyone then
travels to Exchange
City for a day-long simulation where they play the roles of business
owners, employees,
consumers, and government officials. Afterwards, students complete an
additional two weeks of
classroom study.
Exchange City was created in 1980, and has graduated over 200,000 students
from its two sites in
Kansas City. Some 7,000 students participate in Exchange City in Indianapolis,
the first replication
site of a national licensing partnership with Junior Achievement, Inc.
McCluer North High School
Teaching Entrepreneurship in Block Scheduling
Susan Benassi, Entrepreneurship and Business Educator
McCluer North High School
705 Waterford Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
314-506-9301
Email: scbenassi@yahoo.com
Focus: High school students
Abstract: Are teachers and administrators in your school district
exploring alternative schedules? What will happen if you are drawn away
from the traditional 50-minute class period? With change comes challenge
and opportunity! Discover many effective teaching strategies designed
for block schedules. Learn how entrepreneurship students have a chance
to get more involved with learning, and explore how class topics can
be covered in greater depth within the block.
Susan Benassi has captured the entrepreneurial spirit at McCluer North
High School, where she has taught for nearly 18 years. She has
enthusiastically taught her junior and senior business students that
entrepreneurship can be fun, while shifting from traditional to block
scheduling in the 19992000 school year. Her goal is to motivate and
encourage her students to create, grow, and expand successful businesses
both domestically and globally.
She is glad to discuss ideas for engaging students through interaction,
movement, and transitions.
Northwest High School
Entrepreneurship in Marketing and Business Education
Katrina M. Priese, Marketing and Business Educator
Northwest High School
P.O. Box 500
House Springs, MO 63051
636-274-0555, x723
Fax: 636-274-2076
E-mail: priese@in-1ink.com
Focus: Vocational/marketing education program and entrepreneurship
Age Level: 11th and 12th grade
Abstract: Students in 11th or 12th grade may enroll. There are
no prerequisites, but access to a
computer is required. This semester-long class starts with an overview
of entrepreneurship,
including definitions, cases, and characteristics. After a brief introduction
to economics, students
begin developing a business plan that can be used to obtain financing
and win suppliers,
prospective employees, and customers. This is achieved using a step-by-step
format, completing
a project, and answering questions for each section. At the end of the
semester, students correct
and resubmit the plan in its entirety for final evaluation.
Students may easily format their class business plan into a written
project for DECA competition.
Students also get opportunity to speak with entrepreneurs through guest
speakers and assignment
formats. Opportunities exist to attend a chamber of commerce meeting,
and to learn about
various careers in areas such as property management, insurance, accounting,
commercial banking,
etc. There is no textbook, so all materials are generated by instructor
through print, Internet, and
actual company materials. An advisory board is used to lend authenticity.
Priese has a firm belief that this type of education is the most valuable
type, because it promotes
free enterprise, student individuality, and good self-esteem, and applies
core learning to
student-based interests.
Saint Louis University
Jefferson Smurfitt Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Dr. Jerome Katz,
Coleman Foundation Chair in Entrepreneurship and Director
Jefferson Smurfit Center for Entrepreneurial Studies,
Saint Louis University,
3674 Lindell Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63108,
(314)977-3826
Email: katz@slu.edu
Web site: http://www.slu.edu/centers/jsces/index.html
Web site: http://www.eweb.slu.edu
Focus: University-based leader in entrepreneurship education
Abstract: The Jefferson Smurfitt Center for Entrepreneurial Studies takes a leading role in promoting entrepreneurship and small business on local, national and international levels. The goal of the Center is to help improve economic life and the success of small business around the globe.
SLU's entrepreneurship program, in the management department in the John Cook School of Business, was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine in the top tier of regional universities with comprehensive entrepreneurial programs. SLU's program was also ranked in the top three by other entrepreneurship program directors around the country. SLU entrepreneurship program has also been ranked in the top 20 in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
The SLU undergraduate entrepreneurship program is always named as one of the best in the country. In addition, the Jefferson Smurfit Center for Entrepreneurial Studies provides resources and promotes small business development on a national level. The Center also administers the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, which recognize college students who also own and run their own businesses.
The Center was established in 1987 by Dr. Robert H. Brockhaus. At the same time the Center became the World Headquarters for the International Council for Small Business .
In 1990 they received an endowment from Jefferson Smurfit Corporation and received a Coleman Foundation Chair in Entrepreneurship endowed 1991. The Center is active on campus and in the community in support of various types of entrepreneurship education as follows:
- Co-host of the 1993 Family Business Educator's Conference
- 1994 winner of national model program award by United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Host of the 1995 Family Firm Institute Conference
- Success Magazine in 1996 and 1998 ranked graduate entrepreneurship program #6 in country and faculty #1 in country
- Success Magazine in 1997 ranked graduate entrepreneurship program in Top 25 in country and faculty #1 in country
- U.S. News & World Report ranked graduate program #21 in country
- Courses are taught by Dr. Robert Brockhaus and Dr. Jerome Katz as well as "entrepreneurs in residence" who co-teach and offer a unique perspective. An emphasis in entrepreneurship on the undergraduate and graduate level is available for the B.S.B.A. and M.B.A. degree programs, respectively.
- They provide leadership for the Gateway Research Conference, an annual research conference begun in 1987 to address topics of interest to researchers in the entrepreneurship field. Popularity and relevancy of this conference led to its hosting by universities throughout the United States and Canada.
- North American Collegiate Entrepreneur™ Award Annual contest begun in 1988 in Missouri and recently expanded to North America for college students concurrently owning and operating a small business. Students compete at the state level, with winners continuing on to the national level for a first place prize of $5,000. See the website for further information. http://nace.slu.edu
- Family Firm Forum (FFF). A membership program begun in 1994 for area family-owned businesses to address issues pertinent to them and assure their success for future generations. (See the website for further information. http://www.slu.edu/centers/jsces/fff/ This family business program works closely with local firms, learning their needs and providing the kind of education that will keep them economically viable. Established in 1994, the FFF provides a stimulating setting for family businesses to develop strategies for growth. Each year has provided a building block of information with successive year's topics dealing with contemporary and timely issues of family businesses.
- Student Activities. The entrepreneurship student club is open to students of all majors, not just the School of Business. A local SIFE Chapter (Students in Free Enterprise) and CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization) are represented on campus. Activities include volunteering at inner city schools, awareness of entrepreneurship and small business, various sale ventures, and social activities such as BBQ's, hay rides, swim parties, etc. Participation and competition at regional conferences of SIFE and CEO have met with 1st Runner Up and Rookie of the Year Awards in recent years.
- Distinguished Lecturer in Entrepreneurship. J.W. Kisling, Chairman of Multiplex Company. The purpose of this position is to provide an avenue whereby students and faculty of the School of Business and Administration can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of individuals who have attained notable success in their business careers, and who are deeply committed to excellence in university-level education. Mr. Kisling teaches, conducts seminars, counsels students, conducts research, and writes and serves the school in a variety of other ways.
University of Missouri - St Louis
American Dream Youthpreneurship Program
Barbara Flowers
Associate Director
Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education
University of Missouri-St. Louis
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
314-516-5561
Email: bflowers@umsl.edu
Focus: High school entrepreneurship education
Geographic Area: St. Louis metropolitan area
Products and Services: Teaching Entrepreneurship graduate course for high school teachers, Entrepreneurship Institute for high school students, Entrepreneurship Competition for high school students
Age Level: High school students
Sponsors: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Council on Economic Education, and various community businesses and organizations
Abstract: Carpenter? Lawyer? Chemist? Entrepreneur! In the American Dream Youthpreneurship Program students realize entrepreneurship as a career alternative and see that any interest can present an opportunity for self-employment. The American Dream Youthpreneurship Program begins with teachers of any discipline learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and then integrating it into their curriculum. Students in these teachers’ classes attend the Entrepreneurship Institute. In the spring, they may enter the Entrepreneurship Competition, where they can compete for seed-money or scholarship awards.
Teacher Education
The program begins with a three-credit graduate course offered over one week in August and continued throughout the fall semester with ten to twelve hours of class and meeting time. The course is offered to high school teachers throughout the St. Louis area regardless of the teacher’s discipline. Each teacher is required to incorporate entrepreneurship education into his or her class throughout the semester. Teachers are also required to submit an implementation plan for incorporating entrepreneurship into their curriculum, a journal recording the successes and challenges of their implementation plan and an evaluation device. Although these materials are not published, they are distributed to teachers in subsequent Teaching Entrepreneurship classes as guides in their own teaching. The course is taught by university faculty from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education with selected entrepreneurs and experts in entrepreneurship education serving as guest lecturers.
Entrepreneurship Institute
This two-day institute is offered in late fall and is open to the participating teachers and the students enrolled in their classes. Students and teachers must attend both days. During the first day of the institute, students meet with area entrepreneurs, attend class to review the concepts of business development, and form groups to develop a business proposal and presentation. After refining their proposals and presentations for three weeks, students attend the second day of the institute where they again meet with entrepreneurs. They make their business presentations, first within their class of students. Small business development professionals and entrepreneurs are on hand to nominate those businesses that will go forward to present to the entire institute.
Entrepreneurship Competition
In the spring, student entrepreneurs assemble at the university to present their businesses to commercial loan officers, representatives of the Small Business Administration, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and other interested parties. In addition to these networking opportunities, a panel of judges chooses the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year and runners up in two separate divisions: scholarship and start-up. Student presentations consist of a description of their good or service, a sample of their product, their business plan, their marketing plan and any other information they deem necessary to sell their product idea. Students receive assistance in preparing their presentation from their teachers or other mentors.
Wellston School District
ABC=KIDS and CO. Project
Lorna Brown-Miller, Instructor
Wellston School District
2723 Allen Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-412-1708
Fax: 314-382-3115
Email: lornabmiller@yahoo.com
Focus: At-risk African-American minority students
Geographic Area: St Louis, MO
Products and Services: Teaching entrepreneurial skills
Age Level: Students from kindergarten to 12th grade
Key Partners: Wellston School District, the business community,
college serving groups, senior volunteers, the community at large, the
Jefferson-Smurfit Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
housed on the St. Louis University campus, and the St. Louis Enterprise
Community.
Abstract: The ABC (Attendance/Behavior/Character) = KIDS and
CO. Project serves students
from kindergarten to 12th grade, who have an active role in this program.
Wellston School District
has a population of 900 at-risk African-American minority studentsliving
in an urban setting just
recently declared an economic empowerment zonewho are impacted by
this program's existence.
The ABC=KIDS and CO. Project's overall purpose is to teach entrepreneurial
skills to at-risk
youths from kindergarten through high school in the Wellston School District.
The program:
- introduces low-income students to the world of business and entrepreneurship
by teaching
them how to develop a small business;
- enables students to learn the concepts of self-esteem, self-sufficiency,
and a free market
society
- provides basic educational skills, including reading, writing,
math, social studies, and
public speaking through entrepreneurship education;
- gives students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical
and creative thinking
skills and is a school-to-work transition opportunity.
The ABC=KIDS and CO. project provides opportunities for all participating
students at each
school to focus on improved Attendance (A), improved Behavior (B), and
Character development
(C) and to extend student learning beyond the classroom via opportunities to use
academic skills and real-life knowledge to become mini-entrepreneurs
in KIDS and CO.
This program is unique because it is the only one of its kind in our
area that has a behavior
modification component connected with it. We are the only entrepreneurial
program that has been
featured on the front page of our major newspaper, the Post-Dispatch
(issued Friday, November
29, 1996). ABC=KIDS and CO. is a collaborative effort involving the
Wellston School District, the
business community, college serving groups, senior volunteers, the community
at large, the
Jefferson-Smurfit Center for Entrepreneurial Studies housed on the St.
Louis University campus,
and the St. Louis Enterprise Community.
MISSISSIPPI
Delta State University
Premier FastTrac
Michael Thompson, B. F. Smith Chair
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS 38733
601-846-4194
Focus: Four-year College/University
Abstract: Based in the Center for Economic Development at Delta
State University, the FastTrac program in the Mississippi Delta has
become an innovative program for encouraging entrepreneurship. FastTrac
is a program of the Entrepreneurial Education Foundation, which is funded
by private foundation resources through the Center for Entrepreneurial
Leadership (CEL) Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri.
The CEL was founded to serve as a catalyst for understanding, supporting,
and accelerating entrepreneurship in America to fulfill the mission
of self-sufficient people in "healthy" communities.
Premier FastTrac is two programs: FastTrac I, which assists potential
entrepreneurs and FastTrac II, which is designed for individuals who
already have a business. The FastTrac program is an educational process
much like other courses in an educational setting; it is based on pertinent,
logical, and timely business issues. The program helps launch or grow
a business through practical business management skills used by leading
entrepreneurial firms. All FastTrac programs combine interactive instruction
with one-on-one coaching, peer learning, guest speakers, and comprehensive
workbooks. FastTrac I is based on nine sessions where perspective entrepreneurs
prepare a feasibility plan for their new business. FastTrac II is based
on 11 sessions where entrepreneurs already in business receive information
on strategies for business development and higher levels of success.
Over 16,000 entrepreneurs have graduated from programs in more than
30 states and Canada. Seventy-four percent of FastTrac program graduates
are still operating profitably after six years. The program in the Mississippi
delta began in 1995. During 199596, 75 people enrolled in the
program, with 59 graduating. During 199697, 84 enrolled, with
74 completing the program.
Economic Alternatives
Small Business Development and Employment
Resource
Sr. Noel LeClaire, Executive Director
395 North West Street
P.O. Box 5208
Holly Springs, MS 38634
662-252-1575
Fax: 662-252-6673
Focus: To assist minority individuals to explore options for
employment.
Geographic Area: Primarily, but not exclusively, in Marshall County
Products and Services: Assistance for minority individuals
Age Level: Adults
Abstract: Economic Alternatives, established in 1994 in Holly
Springs, Mississippi, was a concrete response to the employment needs
in Marshall County. Marshall County, which borders Tennessee, at one
time had one of the higher unemployment rates in the state. Only 25
percent of the population had a high school diploma or equivalent, and
6.3 percent of the population had a bachelor's degree.
Per capita income in 1992 was around $12,000, and in 1995 roughly 23.4
percent of the county's population lived below the poverty level. Comparatively,
20.2 percent of Mississippians lived below the poverty level that same
year. Surrounded by other small, rural towns, Holly Springs, with its
population of approximately 12,000, seemed to be in a downward spiral.
Benton County, the eastern neighbor of Marshall, had an even more dismal
outlook, partly due to the presence of a national forest and its impact
on tax revenues. However, with three new plant openings in the past
two years, the unemployment rate in Marshall County has dropped to 4.6
percent and Benton County to 4.8 percent.
Key Elements:
Business plan assistance
Financial resource referrals
Basic computer literacy classes
Individual referrals and job placement
Creation of a jobs skill directory
Small-business workshops
Partnerships with Small Business Development Center Network and Cooperative Extension
Mentorships
Through the Self Employment Loan Fund, Economic Alternatives provides low-interest loans between $500 and $2,500.
Gautier High School
Pascagoula Municipal Separate School District
Charlotte L Guy
Special Education Teacher
Gautier High School
4307 Gautier - Vancleave Road
Gautier, MS 39553
228-522-8780
Fax: 228-522-8788
Email: gator5185@aol.com
Focus: Entrepreneurship education for students with disabilities
Abstract: The entrepreneurship education program is a tool that is preparing students with disabilities for the real world. The students in the program identify their interest through a process known as Person Center Planning. They identify how/where work is best performed, and support needs that may be necessary for them when working. This requires the teacher and support people to spend time doing things with the students that are typical. Support people are mentors from the regular classroom.
The mentors come into the classroom to help tutor the students, to teach socialization skills or other activities. Good discovery results in identifying and clarifying just why the student wishes to embark on owning and establishing his or her own business. In addition to learning how to set up a business, the students have learned how to manage money, banking skills, how to do paperwork, and reading skills have been incorporated into the program.
Some of the businesses started by students in the program include:
-
Soapy Gator Car Wash is owned by a student. The business is an auto detailing business that serves faculty and the community.
- First Class Laundry washes, dries, folds, and irons clothes for the neighboring schools and the community.
- Katherine's Coffee Cart is located on the campus of a local university. The coffee cart serves a variety of cookies and coffee for college students and faculty. There also has been collaboration with agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation, family, peers, and the community in making the owner's dreams become reality.
- Gator Goodies is a project that promotes interest in the careers of baking, customer aservice and satisfaction as well as business management.
- Gator Gift Shop makes gift cards and balloon bouquets for special occasions.
The program has provided a career opportunity for students who may never go to college. The entrepreneurial experience has been a way to upgrade the students' abilities to success as an employee as well as an entrepreneur. The program has also provided experience for the students to see new opportunities for their lives. The entrepreneur experience has empowered students with disabilities to become self-sufficient, independent, income-producing citizens of our community.
Mississippi REAL Enterprises
Dr. Nancy Boyll
Mississippi Community Education Center
PO Box 12347
Jackson, MS 39236
601-366-6405
Fax: 601-982-0080
Email: NNB0729@aol.com
Focus: Experiential entrepreneurship education for elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as community colleges and adult entrepreneurship programs. Also adaptable for after-school, out-of-school, and camp contexts.
Geographic Area: Mississippi
Products and Services: Comprehensive professional development program for instructors (institutes, in-service seminars, site visits); experiential, activity-based entrepreneurship curricula with integrated technology and student workbooks for high school/post-secondary ("REAL entrepreneurship") and elementary/middle schools ("Mini/Middle REAL"); materials and support for establishing successful local programs; targeted entrepreneurship development modules for displaced workers; evaluation and documentation of student demographics, learning outcomes, and business development results; School-Based Enterprise module/training.
Age Level: Children (grades 5-8), youths (grades 9-12), and adults of all ages
Key Partners: National REAL Enterprises. At the local level: entrepreneurs, small business assistance providers, and community development advocates through a community support team created by each local program.
Abstract: Founded in the early 1980s, REAL Enterprises' mission is to help individuals, schools, communities, and rural America grow through hands-on entrepreneurship education. REAL is committed to preparing youths and adults to be active, self-sufficient, and productive citizens and effective contributors to community and economic development by: creating and sustaining a national network of dynamic entrepreneurship educators supported by effective member organizations, providing high-quality hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum and training for K-16 educators; advocating for experiential education and entrepreneurship; and documenting REAL's effectiveness for students and teachers. REAL serves and supports schools and teachers through nonprofit national and member organizations throughout the United States, six of which serve states in the ARC service region.
How it Works: At the high school/post-secondary level, REAL guides students through the process of creating small businesses of their own design. The process includes:
- self-assessment to determine students' potential and existing marketable strengths
- community analysis to identify needs and trends in the local economy
- researching/writing a comprehensive business plan for a student's chosen enterprise
- start-up support for participants who choose to open and operate enterprises.
A community support team of entrepreneurs and others from the local community assists each local program. REAL has been successfully integrated into existing post-secondary degree/certificate programs and has demonstrated its ability to create successful businesses.
In elementary and middle schools, Mini/Middle REAL helps students explore entrepreneurship in the context of a fully functioning in-school community (with a "Merchant's Mall," government, revenue, and court system), understand the economic implications of career and lifestyle choices, and apply entrepreneurial practices to school-based enterprises and community needs.
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Virtual Entrepreneurial Education & Training Project
Beth Duncan (Contact for Adult Programs)
Small Business Specialist
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Box 9642
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2160
Email: bethd@ext.msstate.edu
Web site: www.msucares.com
Linda Mitchell (Contact for Youth Programs)
Youth Technology and Special Programs Coordinator
Mississippi State University Extension Service
P.O. Box 2297
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.
Tupelo MS 38803
(601) 841-9000
Email: lindam@ext.msstate.edu
Web site: www.msucares.com
Focus: Teaching adult and youth entrepreneurs business and e-commerce skills.
Geographic Area: Initially the 22 ARC counties in Mississippi, now statewide.
Age Level: Middle school age youth through adults.
Key Partners: Appalachian Regional Commission, Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Abstract:
The Mississippi State University Extension Service (MSU-ES) is addressing the needs of small businesses through the Virtual Entrepreneurial Education & Training Project. The Project is funded jointly by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and MSU-ES. The project has both adult and youth entrepreneurial components targeting entrepreneurs in ARC counties with an emphasis on business and e-commerce skill development. Several new economic development programs have been developed and implemented as a result of this joint effort.
Adult Entrepreneurial Training
An Entrepreneurship 101 course consisting of a series of four workshops was developed and implemented; the workshops include Basic Business Start-Up, Marketing Products & Services, Small Business Recordkeeping & Taxes, and Writing a Business Plan. The target audience is new and existing business owners.
A one-day "Electronic Retailing: Selling on the Internet" conference was developed for existing and new business start-ups that want to sell products and services to customers through a retail web site. The first conference was held at the Bost Conference Center located on the Mississippi State University main campus at Starkville, Mississippi and transmitted live through interactive video to five locations in the state (Cleveland, Jackson, Meridian, Summit, and Verona). Ninety-five people attended the conference. Two-thirds of the attendees represented businesses, one-sixth represented chambers of commerce and other government agencies, and one-sixth represented educators.
An in-depth specialized e-commerce training course, E-BIZ, for small businesses was developed and piloted in Spring 2001. The curriculum consists of four hands-on workshops as follows: Small Business E-Commerce Overview and Site Analysis, Web Store Development I, Web Store Development II, and Web Site Marketing.
As part of the project a case study was conducted. Participating in the case study was a single mother, minority entrepreneur who was on public assistance. She has grown her children's accessory business over the past 10 years and it has become quite profitable. She had been trying to establish an e-commerce site for her business for over two years and had not been successful in doing so until she became part of the ARC project. Through intensive one-on-one training, the project took her through the entire process of setting up her own electronic store on the Internet (www.cjsbows.com).
Initial plans for the development ofwww.mississippimarketplace.com are underway. The first phase of enlisting small businesses to participate is concentrated on the Mississippi Specialty Food Industry with expansion into additional product categories planned.
Youth Entrepreneurial Training
The Entrepreneurship Corps (E-Corps) is a group of youth from 10 counties that meet twice a month on a regular basis. The group is learning technology and entrepreneurial skills that enable them to publish a newsletter titled “This N That," which is supported through revenues the youth generate by selling ad space to local businesses. Other projects the group is involved in include designing and creating a web site for the Northeast Mississippi Fair in which they take photographs, conduct interviews and write articles for the web site; attending web page development and product development tranings; publishing a newsletter for presentation at the Congressional Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.; and presenting a youth entrepreneurship training workshop for youth, local school teachers and graduate students.
Mississippi State University, Regional Youth Entrepreneurship,
Career & Research Exploration for Students and Teachers (CREST)
Dr. Sandra H. Harpole, Director
Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology
Mississippi State University
P O Box 6347
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662-325-2922
Fax: 662-325-9524
Email: sharpole@ra.msstate.edu
Web site: http://csmt.msstate.edu
Focus: A consortium between industry and education was formed to provide an entrepreneurship workshop to develop leadership skills for youth and teachers in middle school.
Geographic Area: Choctaw, Clay, Oktibbeha and Leflore counties in Mississippi.
Products and Services: A multimedia company was formed to produce instructional and informational materials illustrating mine and power plant economics, career opportunities, and workforce basic skills and competencies. In addition, workshop participants received real world applications of science and mathematics and increased technological competency through skills acquired in developing multimedia materials.
Age Level: Middle grade children and adults.
Key Partners: Appalachian Regional Commission; Mississippi Lignite Mining Company, a North American Coal Corporation holding; Choctaw Generation LP, a Tractebel, Inc. company; Apple Computers; and Mississippi State University.
Abstract: During the summer of 2001, a three-week workshop was offered to seven teams of middle school students and teachers from Choctaw, Clay, Oktibbeha and Leflore counties in Mississippi. A total of seven teachers and eighteen students participated in the Regional Youth Entrepreneurship for Career and Research Exploration for Students and Teachers (CREST) workshop.
During the workshop instruction was given in establishing and developing the multimedia business. The participants learned how to design a plan of action and a business plan; to select a company name and a logo; to analyze the market to estimate the product's potential; to design the product; to develop a marketing strategy and an advertisement strategy; to address operational concerns such as location, facilities, equipment and production procedures; and, to consider personnel issues. They also learned about the financial stages of establishing a company: seed money; start-up money; and money for financial growth.
The participants were given the charge of establishing a company whose mission it is to design and produce multimedia materials that illustrate mine and power plant operations and economics. The participants selected six company divisions: the mining process; the Red Hills Mine; air quality; water quality; economic development, and wildlife and reclamation. Both company and divisional staff meetings were held to discuss the method and procedure for working on the multimedia materials and presentations. The student/teacher teams used a variety of technological tools such as PowerPoint,
i-Movies, and Microsoft Word to design flyers, games, flash cards, presentations and movies to describe what they had learned and observed through lectures, tours, and hands-on activities.
Each company division selected a company name and designed a logo illustrating the company product. At a company meeting, a representative from each division presented their design and company name and the company name selected was IMPACT. IMPACT is an acronym for Impact of Mining on People and Community Today. IMPACT was chosen because the participants believed that the logo and name informed the citizens of Choctaw County and the surrounding communities of Red Hills Mine's impact on the community. Red Hills Mine affects the people, schools, economic development, local
businesses and employment opportunities in Choctaw County and the surrounding environs.
Pass Road Elementary School
Claudia Freeman, Teacher
Pass Road Elementary School, Gulfport School District
37 Pass Road
Gulfport, MS 39507
228-867-6724
Email: freeman4kids@hotmail.com
Focus: Elementary school program
Geographic Area: Mississippi
Abstract: Is your class in a rut: Is it the same old routine…day
after day? Do you ever think about doing something really different…something
that will bring some life to your classroom? Come see and hear how a group
of significantly learning disabled students and their teacher created a THRIVING
classroom business utilizing the most common tools of technology in use today.
See how this local, state, and national award-winning project is allowing
students to develop academic and technical skills, work-life skills, and
human relation competencies for future success and lifelong learning. Learn
how they are integrating the goals and objectives of their state curriculum
in a way that brings learning to life and life to the learning process.
Tupelo Middle School
Enterprise in Action - (ARC Springboard Award Winner - 2002)
Jennifer Robison
Tupelo Middle School
1009 Varsity Drive
Tupelo MS 38801
662-840-8792
Email: robijb@tupelo.k12.ms.us
Web site: http://tms.tupeloschools.com
Focus: Middle School Junior Achievement
Abstract: Seventh and eighth grade students and teachers at Tupelo Middle School are using the Excel Technology SELECT program (Excel Tech), in combination with Junior Achievement's Enterprise in Action program, to help students develop advanced technology skills and then apply these skills in a number of entrepreneurial ways. Through Junior Achievement's Enterprise in Action program, and the use interactive business simulation software to model real world business experiences, students develop business skills and tools to create student-run enterprises.
Using their advanced tech skills, students perform many advanced technology duties for teachers, including computer installation, repair, setup, troubleshooting, and even training. Students also perform Internet searches, create PowerPoint presentations, program brochures, and flyers. In addition to “helping out”, the students have also created a business venture-a video yearbook that will be sold to the student body. The students are even marketing the video yearbook through a “commercial” that they created, which will be aired via television broadcasts in the school.
The students are also creating a school web site. In order to finance the web site project, the students created a calendar making business, using their knowledge of Microsoft Publisher They now provide personalized calendars for a $10 fee, scanning photos, importing them into software, printing and binding them, and managing the daily revenue. With the revenue, they have voted to hire a professional Microsoft FrontPage trainer from a local Internet service provider to help train them in web site development.
In addition to profit-making enterprises, the students also participate in community projects that are entrepreneurial in nature. The school purchased 20 laptops that were used by residents of a retirement community, with the Excel Tech students installing software and becoming tutors for the elderly population. In addition, the students purchased computer parts, assembled them into computers, and donated them to a local elementary school.
Site visits to high technology companies give students glimpses into the bigger world of entrepreneurship. They see how supply and demand works, learn about customer and business relations, and see the link between what they learn and technology used in private businesses. The students have an opportunity to apply what they've learned, to 'put it to the test.' In other courses, for example, you may study foreign languages, but you may not have a ch |