Leadership and Entrepreneurial Program Directory
This Directory is a sampling of leadership and entrepreneurial programs available throughout
the United States. The listing is not all inclusive and a listing within the Directory should not be
considered an endorsement of anyone program. The Directory is presented as a resource for K12 schools looking to incorporate leadership and entrepreneurial training into school
curriculum.
Civic Club Sponsored Programs
Boys State and Girls State (www.hoosierboysstate.org / www.hoosiergirlsstate.org)
Sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, Boys State (1935) and
Girls State (1937) teach the workings of government while developing leadership skills and an
appreciation for personal rights as a citizen. As a participant in the program students run for
office, learn public speaking, create and enforce laws and actively participate in all phases of
creating and running a working government as part of a summer program.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Post and their Auxiliaries to attend
the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a
sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
Interact Club (www.rotary.org)
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are
sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but clubs are selfgoverning and self-supporting. Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community
service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through
these efforts, members develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and
learn the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating
helpfulness and respect for others, understanding the value of individual responsibility and
hard work, and advancing international understanding and goodwill
Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI) (www.optimist.org)
Sponsored by Optimist International, the Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI)
members perform service projects to promote positive change in their communities.
Key Club (www.keyclub.org)
Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key
Club assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. High school
student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up
parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running
meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and
international levels.
Programs Supported in Collaboration with Universities
4-H (www.4-h.org)
The 4-H program is the youth development program of the nation’s 109 land-grant universities
and Cooperative Extension System. The 4-H movement supports young people from
elementary school through high school with programs designed to shape future leaders and
innovators. Fueled by research-driven programming, 4-H participants engage in hands-on
learning activities in the areas of science, citizenship and healthy living. The core values of the
4-H movement are Head (managing, thinking), Heart (relating, caring), Hands (giving, working),
and Health (being, living).
EntrePrep (www.econventrues.org/entrep)
The EntrePrep℠ program provides a real-world entrepreneurship experience with the objective
of introducing both entrepreneurship and economic fundamentals. Participants come for a 6day residential experience in a college setting to capture the entrepreneurial mindset. As an
experiential program, the participants’ work towards launching and operating their own
Business-for-a-Day™, with 30 hours of classroom modules in support of this undertaking. The
teachable moments that arise in this highly stimulating environment are the fodder for great
opportunities and learning life lessons.
Entrepreneurship Youth Institute (EYI) (www.econed-in.org)
The Entrepreneurship Youth Institute is sponsored by the Indiana Council for Economic
Education (ICEE). The program introduces students to the basics of entrepreneurship and
business in a motivating, interesting way. The Entrepreneurship Youth Institute (EYI) offers a
unique partnership of high schools, universities, and the business community. The
Entrepreneurship Youth Institute uses the expertise of entrepreneurs, as well as faculty and
staff to promote entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to high school students in a motivating
and interactive way. High school students and teachers are introduced to a wide range of
entrepreneurial endeavors and have the opportunity to interact with local entrepreneurs and
students from different schools.
Curriculum or Teaching Method Based
Future Farmers of America (FFA) (www.ffa.org / www.indianaffa.org)
Future Farmers of America" was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928 to prepare future
generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population by teaching that agriculture is
more than planting and harvesting-- it's a science, it's a business and it's an art. Today, Future
Farmers of America are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future
Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America.
The National FFA Organization is a research and support organization that does not select,
control or supervise state FFA association, local chapter or individual member activities.
Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies. The National FFA
Organization is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. The heart of the
National FFA Organization is at the local chapter level. FFA chapter may be chartered in any
public school with an agricultural education program. Leadership is provided by student
officers who are elected each year by the chapter’s members, and by the agriculture teacher
who serves as the advisor for the chapter.
Business Professionals of America (BPA) (www.bpa.org)
Business Professionals of America is a leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) for
students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information
technology and other related career fields. BPA is a "co-curricular" organization that supports
business and information technology educators by offering curriculum based on national
standards. Resources and materials are available on-line and designed to be customized to a
school's program.
The Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) prepares students to succeed and assesses
real-world business skills and problem solving abilities in finance, management, IT and
computer applications. It is BPA's showcase program and facilitates students demonstrating
their career skills at regional, state and national conferences.
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) (www.deca.org)
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance,
hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA enhances the
preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into
classroom instruction, applying learning in the context of business, connecting to business and
the community and promoting competition. DECA is organized into two unique student
divisions for high school and college (formerly known as Delta Epsilon Chi), each with programs
designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members.
Economics America (www.councilforeconed.org)
The Economics America Schools Program is a comprehensive program of the Council for
Economic Education and its Network of affiliated State Councils and university-based Centers
for Economic Education. The Economics America Schools Program helps schools and school
districts to (1) set standards, (2) train teachers, (3) develop curriculum, and (4) evaluate results,
so that every student leaves twelfth grade with at least a basic level of economic literacy.
The Council for Economic Education makes available classroom-tested instructional materials
for all grade levels, and the State Councils and local Centers provide professional development
courses and workshops for teachers as well as assistance to schools in the development of
curricula. These materials and programs help schools meet state academic standards in social
studies and economics.
Energizing Entrepreneurs (e2) Institute (www.energizingentrepreneurs.org)
Every year, the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship offers a dynamic, interactive institute,
called the Energizing Entrepreneurs (e2) Institute, based on its continuing research and long
experience in the field. RUPRI also offers a series of products developed from the success of
Energizing Entrepreneurs (e2) as well as a new book, Energizing Entrepreneurs: Charting a
Course for Rural Communities, is available on a nationally distributed basis in an effort to
provide more communities with the essential tools and resources to work toward becoming
entrepreneurial.
Generation E Institute (www.genei.org)
Generation E Institute offers entrepreneurship education through a full menu of certification
options: middle school, high school (two curricula), after school, Career and Technology
Centers, and Alternative Education settings. All curricula can be offered as complete courses or
"drop in" units into an existing curriculum.
Junior Achievement (JA) (www.ja.org)
Junior Achievement develops workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy
through experiential, hands-on programs. Through an extensive volunteer network, Junior
Achievement brings community leaders and businesspeople into the classroom to deliver
curriculum and programs that prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to
generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities
more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these
lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities. Volunteers
transform the key concepts of JA lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students
to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in their community and the
world.
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (www.nfte.com)
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship was founded in New York City in 1987 as a
program to prevent dropouts and improve academic performance among students who were at
risk of failing or quitting school. NFTE programs inspire young people from low-income
communities to stay in school, to recognize business opportunities and to plan for successful
futures. In 2010, NFTE’s curriculum “Entrepreneurship Owning Your Future: was awarded the
Distinguished Achievement Award for best high school math curriculum.
New Tech High (www.newtechnetwork.org)
In the mid-90s, Napa, California began researching innovations in education to re-imagine what
a truly great school might be like. Project-based learning is at the heart of the instructional
approach. The smart use of technology supports innovative approaches to instruction and
culture, while New Tech schools maintain an overall culture that promotes trust, respect, and
responsibility. At New Tech schools, students and teachers alike have exceptional ownership of
the learning experience and their school environment. Working on projects and in teams,
students are accountable to their peers and acquire a level of responsibility similar to what they
would experience in a professional work environment.
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning is defined as a systematic teaching method that engages students in
learning essential knowledge and life-enhancing skills through an extended, student-influenced
inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products
and tasks. Activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect
the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom.
Project Based Learning teaches students 21 st century skills as well as content. These skills
include communication and presentation skills, organization and time management skills,
research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflection skills, and group participation and
leadership skills. Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and
opinions, exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the
learning process in general.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) (www.pltw.org)
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (science,
technology, engineering and math) education curricular programs used in schools. As a
501(c)(3) charitable organization, PLTW exists to prepare students for the global economy
through its world-class curriculum, high quality professional development, and an engaged
network of educators, students, universities and professionals. PLTW’s comprehensive
curriculum has been collaboratively designed by PLTW teachers, university educators,
engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators to promote critical
thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving skills in students. The hands-on,
project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study
that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to
college and career success. More than 4,200 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia
are currently offering PLTW courses to their students.
Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) (www.ncreal.org)
The Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) develops talent through action
learning and fosters the creation of sustainable enterprises throughout North Carolina, with
special emphasis on rural communities. The NC REAL Vision for the people and communities of
North Carolina is a healthy, vibrant economy in which small business and successful
entrepreneurial activity plays a vital role, where people develop the skills they need for
productive participation, and where all people with entrepreneurial interests and aspirations
have access to high quality entrepreneurship education.
Since the REAL program began in 1985, over 12,000 entrepreneurs have received intensive
training and more than 500 North Carolina high school, post-secondary, and community-based
organization educators and administrators have participated in NC REAL’s professional
development seminars and week-long Institutes.
YoungBiz (www.youngbiz.com)
YoungBiz is a training company that specializes in financial literacy and entrepreneurship
education. The company’s program mission is to empower young people with financial,
business, and entrepreneurial skills through innovative education and real-world experience.
To accomplish this mission, YoungBiz develops and delivers courses and workshops for
teenagers, train teachers, training professionals and youth leaders, publish curricula, and offer
a catalog of top financial and entrepreneurship education resources for teachers, parents, and
students.
Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) (www.empowerment-group.com – Services)
Empowerment Group’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) training provides a unique
experience for youth to take an idea of their own and turn it into an actual business that serves
their school community. YEP programming is built around the idea that youth shouldn’t just
learn the concept of entrepreneurship -they should get the chance to put it into practice.
The YEP program provides youth with the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial efforts
within their school or community group to create an economically self-sustaining community –
a “micro-economy.” Youth learn how to capture a market share of their “micro-economy” (i.e.
the money that circulates in their school), and they get to determine how to use the profits
from their businesses – to fund field trips, buy new supplies, etc.
Clubs and Organizations Based on Achievements
Beta Club (www.betaclub.org)
The National Beta Club began in Landrum, SC in 1934 with Dr. John W. Harris, a professor at
Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. The National Beta Club has become the nation's largest
independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. Beta Club recognizes and promotes
high academic achievement, rewarding and nurturing worthy character, fostering leadership
skills and encouraging service to others.
National Honor Society (www.nhs.org)
The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are national
organizations established(1921 and 1929) to recognize outstanding high school and middle
level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who
have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character
(and Citizenship for NJHS).
After School and Summer Programs
The Boy Scouts of America (www.scouting.org)
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based
youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds
character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal
fitness.
Since its founding in 1910, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by
combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America
believes that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and
productive society. The president of the United States serves as the honorary president of the
Boy Scouts of America and has done so since the organization originated.
The Girl Scouts of America (www.girlscouts.org)
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low began Girl Scouts in Savannah Georgia to meet the changing
needs of girls by providing a safe and supportive environment in which girls could learn and
have fun while developing the courage, confidence, and character to become leaders.
Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as field trips, sports skill-building clinics,
community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls develop
their individual potential; an understanding, skill, and respect for others; values to guide their
actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the
improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.
Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov/content/youth-entrepreneurship)
The SBA has developed a website designed to introduce young entrepreneurs to the concept of
small business ownership as a viable career choice. This innovative Website helps young people
shape and implement their dreams of entrepreneurship. The teen site features the
fundamentals of starting a small business; from brainstorming to evaluating the feasibility of
your idea, developing the all-important business plan, learning from successful young
entrepreneurs, making sound financial decisions and utilizing various entrepreneurial
development services, such as SCORE, Junior Achievement, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs
of America), and the National Academy Foundation.
Young Entrepreneurs Program (www.yep4youth.org)
The Young Entrepreneurs Program is an Illinois based, 501(c)(3), non-profit dedicated to
'nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs'. Our intent is to teach young, aspiring
entrepreneurs (ages 12-18) how to get an early start on small business success and gain a
better understanding of 'economic literacy' through enterprise and technology.
Youth Agriculture & Entrepreneurship Program (YAEP) (www.earthkeepers.org/youth)
Earth’s Keepers’ Youth Agriculture & Entrepreneurship Program (YAEP) assists the youth in
deteriorating but hopeful neighborhoods of Philadelphia. YAEP is an after school and summer
program whose elements include instruction and practice regarding Earth’s Keepers Five-Fold
Way: 1) urban gardening; 2) mental health and respect for the earth; 3) nutrition and physical
fitness; 4) leadership and advocacy; and 5) entrepreneurship.
Other
Sample of Entrepreneurship Programs in the United States (www.entre-ed.org/_arc/statesi.htm#in)
This website includes, by state, abstracts of youth entrepreneurship programs. Those for
Indiana are listed below.
ECLUB International
Cherese Glenn-Muhammad
Executive Director
Jihad T. Muhammad - Trainer/Consultant
ECLUB International Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 467
Gary, IN 46402
219-977-2931
Email: CSHAIN36@AOL.COM
Email: ECLUB1@AOL.COM
Focus: Community program for youth
Geographic Area: Indiana
Abstract: The ECLUB Academy (ECEDA) is an annual educational program designed to provide
entrepreneurship training and enterprise development opportunities to high school students,
teachers and residents. Students are taught to design, develop, and implement each year a
school-based and/or community-based Business Incubator that is socially responsible and that
can economically impact their community.
The program recruits students to attend and take articulated credit courses at the local
community college and also seeks to increase their employment and/or business opportunities
through a mentorship agreement with a local business association. The ECLUB Academy seeks
to build the capacity of students to become proactive participants in their community while
demonstrating the effectiveness of Entrepreneurship and Community Economic Development
(ECEDA) education.
Hinkle Creek Elementary School
Rock-n-Omics
Lisa C. Fritz, Teacher
Hinkle Creek Elementary School/ Noblesville Schools
595 South Harbour Drive
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-776-0840
Email: lisa_fritz@mail.nobl.k12.in.us
Focus: Elementary to junior high
Abstract: This dynamic program introduces students to economic concepts through music and
the music industry.
The first part of Rock-n-Omics offers an interdisciplinary approach to teaching economic
concepts. Songs such as "Blue Suede Shoes" help students understand economic principles such
as productive resources. The song, "When You Wish Upon a Star" enables students to
understand the hopes and dreams that an entrepreneur has when beginning a new venture.
Students use the information gained from lessons to become entrepreneurs and start their own
music company. Students apply for positions ranging from song producers to marketing
managers. Through various resources, students gain proper copyright authorization, contact
recording specialists, sign recording artists, and promote and sell their new release. After
paying all of their company's costs, students are able to reap the benefits of entrepreneurship.
Lisa Corbin Fritz is a fourth-grade teacher at Hinkle Creek Elementary in Noblesville, Indiana. A
cornerstone of her career has been teaching economics. From an early implementation of a
mini-economy to her national-award-winning Notepad Economics curriculum, she has
incorporated economic education into every subject area. Using music offers her students
another opportunity to see the interrelatedness of economics and their world.
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
Susan Burns, Director,
Digital Kids Initiative
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
1410 Production Rd.
Fort Wayne IN, 46808
260-407-6442
Fax:260-407-6448
Email: sburns@niic.net Web site: www.niic.net
Abstract: The Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence seeks to grow northeast Indiana's future
viability. We will do this by increasing our region's prosperity by capitalizing on the potential of
people, technology and enterprise.
The Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence provides a variety of programs partnering with
postsecondary education to provide knowledge; with businesses to provide new resources, for
personal/professional development, confidence and services.
Programs are designed to benefit Postsecondary students, Postsecondary education
institutions, Prospective entrepreneurs, Existing small business owners, Service providers, and
Lifelong learners.
Digital Kids Initiative is a special program that is collaborating with the educational
establishment to provide 21st century learning experiences to the preK-Masters continuum.
This program is targeted to benefit students, schools, teachers, families, underserved
populations (economically disadvantaged; minorities; rural, senior citizens, gifted & talented
students, special ed students, etc.) Postsecondary education, Arts organizations, Youth-serving
organizations, Programs and Activities (with early adopters/partners), CTO Girl Power (with
Black Data Processing Assoc/Womens Enterprise Center), Challenger Center study (Science
Central, Reg. 8 schools), Internship/Mentorship expansion (with Leo HS/Cisco Academy, ITPNE,
etc.), Technology in the Schools Baseline Study (with Huntington College, others), and Online
learning and teaching series (with Region 8, Humanities Council, others).
Overcoming Obstacles CEO Program
Community for Education Foundation
Overcoming Obstacles CEO Program
17 West Market Street, Suite 650
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-684-2237
Fax: 317-684-2530
Web site: http://www.overcomingobstacles.org
Abstract: The Community for Education Foundation's Overcoming Obstacles CEO Program
(Creating Enterprises and Opportunities) is a youth entrepreneurship education program. It has
been operating since 1993, working with at-risk high school students in schools in south-central
and east Los Angeles, and is soon to expand to other high schools throughout the United States,
including those in Indianapolis.
Teachers are trained in the CEO curriculum and interactive teaching methods, and students
learn concepts of entrepreneurship through classroom workshops and the creation of group or
individual school-based businesses. The semester-long course culminates in a comprehensive
business plan. The CEO program offers schools teacher training, a written curriculum approved
for use in the Los Angeles Unified School District, classroom support, consulting services, and
microloans for students with exceptional dedication.
Purdue University Calumet
Entrepreneurship Training for Practicing Business Owners
Jamaluddin Husain, Executive Director
Entrepreneurship Center
Purdue University Calumet
A-351
Hammond, Indiana 46323-2094
219-989-2746
Fax: 800-937-2101
Email: jhhusain@calumet.purdue.edu
Focus: Community-based university program for entrepreneurs
Abstract: The Entrepreneurship Center Vision: A growing regional economy with a
competitively efficient entrepreneurial base.
Mission: The Mission of the E-Center is to stimulate economic growth in the region through
academic & non-academic action-oriented programs in keeping with Purdue University
Calumet's strategic goal of becoming more active in the economic development of the region.
Programs:
Non-Academic
 "ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM" for Experienced Full-Time Business-Owners
To enhance their abilities to compete more effectively
 "BUSINESS-OWNERS FORUM" - for Second-Stage businesses
To provide an enabling environment for them to collectively set the pace for economic
growth in the region through peer-to-peer counseling.
 "Aspiring Entrepreneur Program" (A-Program) - for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To assist in properly and systematically identifying opportunities for Self-Employment
and Business start-up.
 “BUSINESS-OWNERS ASSOCIATION" - Currently with 400+ members
Provides sustaining educational, business and networking opportunities. Membership
Levels: Regular, Sustaining, & Charter.
 "SOUNDING BOARD" - Business-Owners volunteer their expertise to provide assistance
to others; public service to stimulate economic development in the region.
Academic
Undergraduate Courses in Entrepreneurship
 ENTR 100 "Introduction to Entrepreneurship"
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ENTR 300 "Small Business Management"
ENTR 320 "How to Write a Business Plan"
BA-391 (Business-Internship) students of Business/Management assigned as interns for
business owners, based on their courses & Majors and project-based needs of individual
businesses
BA (Business), with Minor in Entrepreneurship
"Small Business Institute" (SBI) - offering free student-based consulting services for
owners of small businesses.
Purdue University
Sandra S. Liu, Professor
Purdue University
812 W. State Street, Room 318
West Lafayette, IN
765-494-8310
E-mail: liuss@purdue.edu
Web Page: www.purdue.edu/dp/Entrepreneurship/certificate.php
Abstract: The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation aims to inspire and teach students
in all disciplines to be innovators and entrepreneurs, whether they choose careers in start-up
ventures or large organizations. Through a series of five three credit courses and related
experiential programs, students learn the theory and practice related to starting and running
new business ventures. Upon completion of the requirements, students receive an official
certificate and it will be recorded on their academic transcripts.
Dr. Liu proposed and developed one of the three core courses entitled "Marketing &
Management for New Ventures" (formerly "Entrepreneurship and Innovation II"). It provides
students with an in-depth study of specific areas related to starting and running new business
ventures. Topics include:
 Understanding the components of the business plan
 Market research, analysis, and planning
 Sales and distribution strategies
 Financial tools, statements, forecasts
 Managing the process/project management
 Leadership, team building, and ethics
Unique Features of the program include:
 Offers students a unique, multidisciplinary experience
 Provides an additional educational credential
 Develops hands-on skills for work and life
 Enhances job prospects and choices
Westfield High School
Laurie Russo
Entrepreneurship Teacher
Westfield High School
18250 N. Union Street
Westfield, IN 46074
317.867.6884,
E-mail: russol@wws.k12.in.us
Web Page: www.wws.k12.in.us/whs/
Abstract: Entrepreneurship is a Career and Technical Education program under our Business,
Management and Finance curriculum. Any student may take Entrepreneurship courses. There
are no prerequisites for these classes. Westfield High School has a diverse cultural and
socioeconomic population. All students are encouraged and welcome to enroll in
Entrepreneurship.
Westfield offers Entrepreneurship I, II, and III. Students can also enroll in our Entrepreneurship
Academy which requires all of the entrepreneurship courses along with a course titled
Entrepreneurship Professional Internship. This curriculum is based upon the National Standards
for Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration.
Entrepreneurship I covers subjects such as identifying business opportunities, communication
and math skills, economics, types of ownership, market research, and developing a business
plan. This course uses the textbook "Entrepreneurship Ideas in Action" by Cynthia L. Greene.
Entrepreneurship II students create a complete business plan for a business which is feasible for
a high school student. The first two weeks are spent brainstorming business ideas, names, and
logos. The rest of the trimester is used to study each section of the business plan and research
realistic prices. The students then incorporate this information into their actual plan. These
students are required to have a mentor in the business world. We use the NXLevel curriculum
developed by The US West Foundation, University of Colorado at Denver.
Entrepreneurship III students run the school's bookstore, The Shamrock Shop, along with other
"Apprentice" type competitions. Students are responsible for keeping inventory, cash records,
and marketing.
All of these courses include hands on activities, guest speakers, and field trips. The Hamilton
County Alliance (HCA) is an organization devoted to promoting economic development in
Hamilton County Indiana. They also sponsor an event called "Spotlight on Entrepreneurship"
where students attend a one day conference about entrepreneurs. This years spotlight featured
the "Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour." The HCA also provides guest speakers from the
community and locations for field trips.
The school is unique because we offer an entrepreneurship academy for students who are
interested in owning their own business. Students who plan to be dentists, beauticians, and
business people are enrolled in the academy. The students also have the opportunity to present
their business plans to three different audiences: classmates as final exam, Hamilton County
Alliance competition, and DECA.
My students also do computerized lessons using a virtual business simulator. They will compete
with other students to see who can be the most successful in managing a convenience store.
Zionsville Community High School
Lisa Hull, MBA
1000 Mulberry Street
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-873-3355 Ext 12604
Email: Lhull@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: www.zcs.k12.in.us/zchs/index.htm
Abstract: We offer a full year course in Entrepreneurship that will introduce High School juniors
and seniors to the skills needed in Entrepreneurship.