The Students to Entrepreneurs Program is a program designed to afford sophomore and junior high school budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in a program to bridge the gap between traditional classroom learning and practical application with real world experiences. This is an experiential learning program instilling entrepreneurial and economic principles while connecting high school students with established business leaders. |
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STEP Purpose.The Students to Entrepreneurs Program is a program designed to afford sophomore and junior high school budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in a program to bridge the gap between tradition classroom learning and practical application with real world experiences.
This is an experiential learning program instilling entrepreneurial and economic principles while connecting high school students with established business leaders. STEP Vision.The program will afford young entrepreneurs:
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Program Outcomes.
For year 1 of the program, 10 students will be selected from Clayton High, Corinth Holders High, and Cleveland High Schools.
- Selected Students will spend the Spring 2022 Semester and the 2022 Summer (January through August) developing and refining their business concept with the help of a business mentor that will meet with the student individually each month.
- A business concept can include a product, service, idea, etc.
- Participants selected will present their concept in a pitch competition judged by a panel of local leaders and business owners in September of 2022.
- The judges will select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, all of which will be awarded cash prizes to help the student continue launching their concept!
- Participants will also display their concepts at the 2022 Harvest Festival and be voted on by the public to have an opportunity to win the People’s Choice Award.
- 1st place winner will continue to be mentored as needed for one year following the program.
Student Expectations.
Each STEP participant is expected to:
- Have a pre-determined business concept. This can include a product(s) offering, service, idea/experience based business, etc.
- Fill out a student application, including a parental permission form and letter of recommendation from a school teacher or staff member.
- Be available for the full length of the program: January 2022 - October 2022 (with the bulk of the development being completed during the first six months of the program). Time commitment for students will be 10-15 hours a month.
- Be able to commit to meeting monthly with your mentor for mentoring sessions, as well as continue developing your business concept on your own in between meetings with your mentor.
- Set project benchmarks and goals to achieve throughout the program.
- Be open, responsive and communicative with your mentor.
- Be prepared to present your business plan to a panel of judges (think "Shark Tank Style") on the Project Pitch Night and at the STEP Showcase at the 2022 Harvest Festival.
Mentor Expectations.
Each STEP mentor is expected to:
- Fill out a volunteer mentor application (first) then apply for and obtain the level 2 approval status as a Johnston County Schools volunteer (requires background check). This must be renewed annually.
- Keep steady and consistent communication with the students in order to help them keep their business development process on track (at least once a month one-on-one meetings, plus additional meetings as needed). Time commitment for Mentors is 8-12 hours a month.
- Commit to maintain the mentoring relationship until the end of the program and on as as needed basis following the program.
- Agree to remain positive and focused while helping the student work towards their goals.
Important Dates.
- Application open (students and mentors): September 13, 2021
- Deadline to apply (students and mentors ): November 8, 2021
- Deadline to apply for Level 2 Johnston County Public School Volunteer Application (mentors only): November 15, 2021
- Accepted students will be notified: December 6, 2021
- Full group meeting (all mentors and students together): January 2022
- Mentor/Student matches announced by: January 31, 2022
- Student project development stage: February 2022 - August 2022
- Project Pitch Night: September 2022
- STEP Showcase at Harvest Festival (all awards announced here): October 29, 2022
A CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION INITIATIVE
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS THAT MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE