Transylvania University’s Center for Entrepreneurship hosted its first camp earlier this month, giving two dozen Fayette County high school students a full day of experiential learning.
The program, offered in partnership with Junior Achievement, introduced students to core concepts from brainstorming to branding. They learned how to shape problem statements and value propositions, identify end users and customers, and build the early framework of a business plan. The camp blended networking and interactive workshops alongside industry experts and other business professionals.
These alumni and other community members led sessions, mentored students and took part in panel discussions with Transylvania faculty and staff. Students also ate lunch with President Brien Lewis.
Meeting others with similar interests and learning about the struggles and successes of real-life entrepreneurs were key parts of the experience. “I made friends with other young entrepreneurs like me, and it was great to meet so many experienced entrepreneurs and learn from what they have been through and achieved,” one of the participants noted.
Most of the students already had a business or idea for one, and the Center for Entrepreneurship is providing one-on-one follow-up meetings to help them develop their venture.
Looking to the future, the center plans to build on the program’s successful launch. “This was a one-day camp this year, but our goal is to grow this into a multiday camp in the coming years,” center director Kaelyn Query said.
It’s an extension of the center’s mission to provide opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, develop creatively and explore a wide range of career and educational paths.
Read more about how the center is becoming a leading destination for students interested in developing entrepreneurially as part of an exceptional liberal arts education.