Recommendations / Education / Big Idea #1: School Partnerships - Entrepreneur U

Big Idea #1: School Partnerships - Entrepreneur U

Part of the "MONROE MAKERS" initiative

EducationMonroe-Walton Under $250,000

Overview

Establish a public-private partnership titled “Entrepreneur U” to teach high school students entrepreneurship, critical thinking, problem solving, and business development skills. The program would connect schools, local businesses, colleges/universities, mentors, and community partners through entrepreneurship curriculum, wraparound mentorship, dual enrollment with Athens Technical College, a hackathon, and a Shark Tank-style business pitch event.

Action plan

Short-term
Establish a steering committee/advisory board with students, local government, business community members, local community members, and higher education representatives. Determine event locations with school district, Athens Technical College, or incubator spaces. Continue and expand partnership with Athens Technical College so students can participate in classes that enhance business acumen.
Medium-term
Begin advertising and recruiting students through an application process. Partner with the UGA Entrepreneurship Program to facilitate mentors for students entering the program. Secure sponsorships for the Shark Tank event and seed/prize money. Identify investors for business ideas pitched. For the Hackathon, contact community members to identify local issues that could be addressed during the event.
Long-term
Establish a pathway within the local school system for students to participate in Entrepreneur U. Create an alumni network to mentor incoming students. Follow up with former participants to document success/failures after completing the program.

Expected impact

Projected Engagement Survey CompletionCommunity

Tracks surveys conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of the program to measure engagement and commitment among employees, mentors, and students.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Student Venture ImplementationEconomic

Tracks whether winning or selected student business ideas move toward implementation after the Shark Tank event.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Dual Enrollment ParticipationEducational

Tracks student participation in dual enrollment or work/study programs through Athens Technical College.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Post Graduation Plans ReportedEducational

Tracks reported post-graduation plans among participants, including trade school, college/university acceptance, or other next steps.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Program EnrollmentEducational

Tracks the number of participating small business owners and local school students involved in Entrepreneur U during the first year.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Business Pitch ParticipationEconomic

Tracks Shark Tank participation, including the number of student teams, sponsors, investors, and pitch submissions.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Participation Requirements MetOperational

Tracks whether students and mentors complete required meeting hours and timely assignments for Shark Tank and Hackathon participation.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Partner OrganizationsInstitutional

Tracks the number of schools, higher education partners, businesses, nonprofits, and civic partners involved in the steering committee, mentorship, events, and implementation.

Timeframe: Medium-term

Key stakeholders

Local School SystemAthens Technical CollegeUGA Entrepreneurship ProgramLocal Businesses / Small Business OwnersLocal Government / Economic DevelopmentTeam Up MentoringCommunities in Schools of Walton CountyBoys & Girls Clubs of North Central GeorgiaWalton County Safe KidsRotary Club of MonroeFaith In Serving Humanity, Inc.Shark Tank Sponsors / Investors

Estimated budget

Hackathon Event Costs: $3,000. Shark Tank: $15,000. Supplies: $2,000. Training Program Fees: $3,000. Marketing Promotions: $500. Transportation: $5,000. Total: $28,500.