High school students with an interest in developing their own entrepreneurial spirit can take part in a new summer program sponsored by the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Elon University.
What: 2011 Elon Young Entrepreneurs Summer Camp
When: June 20-24, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day (lunch included)
Where: Koury Business Center on the campus of Elon University
Cost: $35
Register online: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/business/doherty_center/summercamp.xhtml
High school students will hear from guest speakers and take a field trip to T.S. Designs, a Burlington-based apparel manufacturer that uses environmentally friendly practices and locally grown cotton. Elon entrepreneurship professors and student leaders, with outside mentors and entrepreneurs, will lead participants in activities and lessons.
The curriculum will include, but is not limited to, the following:
1.) Accomplished entrepreneurs will share first-hand experiences on seizing opportunities, touch on different types of ventures, discuss related financial obligations, and highlight the day-to-day benefits/sacrifices of being an entrepreneur.
2.) Students will work in groups on a team project. Mentors will be available for advice and feedback. At the end of the week, each group will present their projects to class, professors, mentors, and other professionals in the field.
3.) The week will culminate with an off-site visit to an established entrepreneurial business (T.S. Designs) to allow students to see the real-world application of a venture, as well as the daily responsibilities to make it successful.
“At Elon, we don’t teach entrepreneurship just for starting your own business,” said Elon University senior Katy Burns, who is helping to organize the camp in coordination with faculty member David Jackson. “The program is centered around the entrepreneurial mindset. That’s important as kids think about their next steps, with college and their education and their career.”
Need-based scholarships are available. For more information, contact Katy Burns at kburns6@elon.edu.