The Innovation Center's Entrepreneurship Team innovates

The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools is home to an innovative Entrepreneurship Team that equips students with entrepreneurial skills and real-world experience. Through its student-led initiatives, the program, managed by Hannah McDonald, fosters creativity, problem-solving, and professional growth, preparing participants to tackle the challenges of the modern economy with confidence.

The Entrepreneurship Team engages high school students in various dynamic projects that challenge them to think outside the box. These projects include client collaborations, operating The Compass Store, and organizing Entrepreneurship Summer Camps. Each initiative is designed to provide students with hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions to their community.

Student Diane Kenar-Castro who works for the entrepreneurship team stated that "I really enjoy the whole community at the IC and working on the entrepreneurship team is really great because I work with really amazing people and I get to experience a lot of different opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise!"

Students in the program have access to classes tailored to entrepreneurship and business development. These courses cover topics such as marketing strategies, financial management, and project development. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the classes provide students with a well-rounded education in entrepreneurship.

For instance, students learn how to pitch ideas, manage budgets, and develop comprehensive business plans, skills that are directly applicable to their project work.

Niwot High School student Sofia Burks said "My project management class was really fun! My teacher, Ms. Hannah, taught really engaging material and I was excited to see how I could implement what we were learning in class into my actual projects like running a school club and photography business."

Client collaborations are one of the cornerstones of the program. Students partner with local businesses to deliver research-based recommendations, marketing strategies, and event planning services. These partnerships not only allow students to apply what they have learned but also help local businesses achieve their goals. By working closely with professionals, students gain invaluable insights into the business world.

The Compass Store, a student-run retail venture, is another integral part of the Entrepreneurship Team. Participants design, produce, and sell unique products such as custom shirts, airplane kits, and 3D-printed musical instruments. The store serves as a platform for students to learn business management and marketing strategies while fostering creativity and teamwork. Additionally, the store integrates entrepreneurship with other project teams at the Innovation Center, providing a holistic learning experience.

Entrepreneurship Summer Camps offer younger students the opportunity to explore creativity and develop an entrepreneurial mindset in an engaging and supportive environment. These camps are entirely designed and taught by members of the Entrepreneurship Team, giving high school students a chance to step into leadership roles while inspiring the next generation of innovators.

High school students in the program are compensated by the district for their work, which provides a professional element to the experience. While payment is appreciated, most students are more enthusiastic about the hands-on learning opportunities and professional connections the program offers. Participation in the Entrepreneurship Team equips students with practical skills, such as project management, teamwork, and communication, that prepare them for future careers and academic pursuits.

Beyond technical skills, students in the Entrepreneurship Team value the strong sense of community and collaboration fostered within the group.

Burks said, "Working in teams and collaborating with classmates to discuss real world implications was also fun. It was ultimately rewarding to be able to actually take away a certification from the Project Management Institute and be able to build up my resume. The IC (Innovation Center) really does have a lot of neat opportunities and I was really glad I got to experience this (project management) class."

Through its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning, the Entrepreneurship Team at The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools is shaping the next generation of independent thinking innovators and leaders.