• Theme: "Empowering Young Entrepreneurs & Innovators of JLIA"
    Timeline: February 13th - May 17th 
     

    6th Grade: Entrepreneurship Kickstart: Pitching for a Bright Future

     
      • Project Description: In the “Entrepreneurship Kickstart” project, students embark on a thrilling journey to understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. They will identify opportunities, refine creative ideas, and create persuasive business pitches that benefit their local community.
     
      • Problem Statement: Students will begin by identifying a local problem or need that piques their interest. They will then craft a business pitch to address this issue, emphasizing how their creative solutions can make a difference.
     
      • Concept Visualization: To enhance their understanding and communication, students will create concept boards that combine images, text, and visuals to convey the essence of their business concepts. These boards serve as visual summaries of their ideas.
     
      • Pitch Presentation: The pinnacle of the project is the business pitch presentation. While they won't launch actual businesses, students will present their pitches to a panel of teachers or local entrepreneurs, honing their public speaking and presentation development skills.
     
      • Through this project, 6th graders will gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship and critical thinking while developing their ability to create compelling business pitches.
     
    7th Grade: From Vision to Reality: Crafting Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs
     
     
      • Project Description: In the “From Vision to Reality” project, students become budding entrepreneurs, taking their first steps toward building real businesses. They will identify a problem or need in their community, develop innovative solutions, and craft comprehensive business plans to turn their ideas into reality.
     
      • Problem Statement: Students will begin by identifying a specific problem or need in their community. This could range from a lack of access to certain services, environmental concerns, or any other issue they are passionate about addressing. They will then create a prototype of their product or service, demonstrating how it effectively solves the identified problem.
     
      • Business Planning: With their problem-solving prototypes in hand, students will delve into the world of business planning. They'll learn about market research, target audiences, pricing strategies, marketing plans, and financial projections. Each student or team will create a detailed business plan that outlines how they intend to operate, grow, and make a positive impact on their community.
     
      • Website & Prototype Development: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses. Students will also learn the fundamentals of website development. They will design and create professional websites to promote and represent their businesses effectively. These websites will serve as a platform for their prototypes and business plans, allowing them to showcase their entrepreneurial endeavors.
     
      • Launching Their Business: The pinnacle of the project is the launch of their businesses. While these businesses may not become fully operational in the real world, students will have the opportunity to present their business plans and websites to their peers and potentially to a panel of teachers or local entrepreneurs. This experience will give them a taste of what it's like to pitch their ideas to potential investors or stakeholders.
     
      • Through this project, 7th graders will not only gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business planning but also develop tangible skills in problem-solving, innovation, and online communication as they work towards creating a prototype and launching their businesses.

     

    8th Grade: Empowering Innovators: Sparks of Change, Sources of Inspiration
     
      • Project Description: In the “Empowering Innovators” project, students step into the roles of community leaders and budding entrepreneurs. They will identify pressing local needs, develop innovative solutions, and lead impactful initiatives that directly benefit their community.
     
      • Problem Identification: Students begin by identifying specific issues or needs within their community. These could range from environmental concerns to social challenges or opportunities for improvement.
     
      • Project Planning and Prototyping: Once the problems are identified, students craft comprehensive project plans that include prototypes or practical solutions. They will demonstrate how their initiatives directly address the identified community needs.
     
      • Project Execution: The heart of the project lies in the execution of their community impact initiatives. Students will actively lead and manage their projects, working collaboratively to implement their solutions and make a tangible difference in their community.
     
      • Community Engagement: Community engagement is a vital aspect of the project. Students will actively involve community members, garner support, and build partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of their initiatives.
     
      • Impact Assessment: Students will assess the outcomes of their projects, measuring the real impact they've made in their community. They will reflect on the effectiveness of their initiatives and gather feedback from community members.
     
      • Inspiring Others: One of the primary goals is to inspire others to take action and contribute to positive change in the community. Students will share their experiences and successes to motivate their peers and community members.
     
      • Examples of Initiatives:
        • Community Garden Initiative: Students may identify a lack of access to fresh produce in their community and decide to create a community garden. They'll plan, design, and establish the garden in a suitable location, engaging community members in its maintenance and harvest.
          • What it Looks Like: Students will create a comprehensive plan for the garden, including a layout, plant selection, and maintenance schedule. They may also organize planting events and workshops to involve the community.
     
        • Environmental Cleanup Campaign: Recognizing an environmental issue like litter and pollution in a local park, students could organize a cleanup campaign. They'll mobilize volunteers, secure resources, and lead cleanup efforts.
          • What it Looks Like: Students will create an action plan detailing cleanup activities, safety measures, and waste disposal. They may design promotional materials, like flyers and posters, to raise awareness and encourage participation.
     
        • Youth Mentorship Program: Identifying a need for mentorship and guidance among younger students, 8th graders may initiate a mentorship program. They'll match mentors with mentees, organize meetings, and provide valuable guidance.
          • What it Looks Like: Students will develop a mentorship program framework, including guidelines and activities for mentors and mentees. They may create a mentoring schedule and organize kickoff events.
     
      • Through these initiatives, detailed planning, and creative creations, 8th graders will develop advanced entrepreneurial and leadership skills, critical thinking, and a profound sense of community responsibility as they transform their ideas into action and make a significant impact on their local community.