Garrett College recently hosted a successful two-week-long program called Entrepreneurship Experiences at the Career Technology Training Center (CTTC) in Accident for high school students.
The program took place starting June 23rd, with the second week starting on August 4th. Students who participated in the program received a $250 stipend and a chance to win a share of $10,000 in seed funding during a friendly pitch competition.
The program was brought to Garrett County thanks to Dr. Toi Hershman, board member of Think PGC and co-facilitator, and CEO of Think PGC Tremain Davis, who are both thrilled with the results of the program.
"We knew we had a strong curriculum and a strong plan, but you don't know how things are going to go in a new place with a group of kids who have never really met each other before, but it was amazing," said Hershman. "These young adults went from zero to fully pitching a viable business by the end of one week."
Davis says that the experience was very hands-on and immersive for the students, and that there were involved educators with experience in the field guiding the students during the process.
"Our years of experience in the world of entrepreneurship I think helped us be able to move so quickly," said Davis. "We understand what needs to happen in order for an idea to be germinated and incubated, so it wasn't just theory and book knowledge, it was very hands on."
Students learned basic AI skills for prompting and prototyping, as well as other basic skills that will help them whether they continue with their business idea, or land a traditional job.
"The students really drove everything," said Hershman. "We gave them enough information to get started and then help them when they needed it. One young lady said this worked out so well because we gave them freedom to drive their own learning."
Some students are still dedicated to their project according to Hershman, some are still asking for help on how to proceed further, along with the many emails that have been received with positive feedback from both parents and students.
"This is a need," said Davis. "This is a gap that we have been able to identify and impact. We just want these kids to get these skills, it's about making them better people, more marketable and prepared for the future and these programs are well positioned to be able to do that."
Davis also said that there are plans and discussions happening with hopes of the program running throughout the year, not just in summer.
"We are going to do a series of Saturdays. September 20th and 27th, and October 4th, 11th, and 18th, from 9 AM to 1 PM," said Hershman. The only difference is that this camp will take place at Garrett College's Performing Arts Center (PAC) instead of the CCTC.
Article courtesy of The Garrett County Republican. Staff Writer Claire Sullivan can be reached at 301-334-3963 or by email at csullivan@therepublicannews.com
