eCenter Academy Students to Present Startup Plans

HERMITAGE, Pa. – Students from 10 high schools enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Academy at eCenter@LindenPointe will present their startup business plans to a panel of judges at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Buhl Park casino.

Over the course of the school year, students – hailing from the Commodore Perry, Farrell, Greenville, Grove City, Hermitage, Sharon, Sharpsville, West Middlesex and Union school districts – have researched business ideas, developed business plans and built prototypes. Among their ideas are wearable Wi-Fi-enabled accessories, an app controlling commercial patio umbrellas and jewelry connecting wearers to support groups.

“I have seen these students mature immensely over the last several months. Not only have their businesses grown, but their courage and real-world working knowledge has increased,” said eCenter intern Riley Atterholt. “This curriculum has created and opportunity for high school students to graduate with viable businesses ready to be launched.”

A panel of judges will provide feedback to the students. Judges are Penn State Shenango chief academic officer Jo Anne Carrick, Forbes Funds President Kate Dewey, Westminster College President Kathy Richardson, Trendy Trousseau and Toss’d owner Summer Wise and Business Journal Publisher Andrea Wood.

“We believe we are doing something special here and it’s not just about learning what it means to be an entrepreneur,” said eCenter executive director Ketaki Desai. “It’s really about learning life skills that we hope will change the way our students approach the future.”

The presentation sessions are free and open to the public although tickets are required. Registration can be completed here.

Pictured: Students participating in the Entrepreneurship Academy at the eCenter@LindenPointe.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.