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.
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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:

• A safe and supportive environment to jumpstart ideas
• An introduction into how to overcome perceived and real barriers
• A foundation for turning dreams into lifelong pursuits

STEP CLASS OF 2023

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 2023 Semester and the 2023 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 2023.
• 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 2023 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

MENTOR EXPECTATIONS

• 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 2023 - October 2023 (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 2023 Harvest Festival. 

APPLY TO BE A STEP STUDENT >

download Parental Permission form >

• 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.

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APPLY TO BE A MENTOR >

INFORMATION ON THE JCPS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION >

Important Dates.​

• MOU's to be returned to CCOC from schools: December 15, 2024
• Application open (students and mentors): January 8, 2024
• Deadline to apply (students and mentors ): February 5, 2024
• Mentors will be identified: February 12, 2024
• Accepted students will be notified: February 19, 2024
• ​Kick-off  (all mentors and students together): March 7, 2024
• Workshops for students and mentors: June 24, 2024
• Presentation Feedback Day: March- August 19,  2024
• Elevator Presentation to TANG (Triangle Area Networking Group): August 20, 2024
• Presentation of Business Plan to Panel of Judges: September 23, 2024
• Harvest Festival Showcase with booth: October 26, 2024

Thank you to our 2023 Annual Sponsor

2023 Supporting Sponsors

Bailey Insurance Agency
Clayton Steakhouse
DML Siding & Windows, LLC
Tay and Sons Enterprise

A CLAYTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION INITIATIVE

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS THAT MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE

LET US KNOW YOU'RE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING STEP >