The Nice Center at NDSU has unveiled an entrepreneurship program and competition for North Dakota high school students. The program, called Nice Idea, partners with Microsoft Philanthropies’ TechSpark.
“Students across the state will learn key entrepreneurial lessons and build solutions for their communities as a part of the program,” said Scott Meyer, Ozbun Executive Director of Entrepreneurship. “This past year, we have focused primarily on NDSU’s campus and in the community. Now, we are excited to announce a new program to include high school students in our work.”
Nice Idea is an entrepreneurship program for North Dakota high school students that:
• Teaches students to be creative and entrepreneurial
• Connects students with real problems that need solving
• Hosts a statewide competition where students share their ideas and win support to make those ideas a reality
“The program is built for the moment, with virtual options and support from The Nice Center at NDSU,” Meyer said. “It can be used in traditional classrooms; taught remotely; as a part of clubs such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America or 4-H; and by parents as an after-school activity or for home schooling. By helping students think creatively and applying those ideas, students can immediately improve their communities while also building the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders and problem solvers.”
Nice Idea students will first learn about entrepreneurship in a series of four short experiential lessons built with the Youth Entrepreneurs curriculum. It takes about 10 hours of instruction to complete the program.
After completing the lessons, students form teams and are given a specific problem from a local business or government. They work with their mentor and The Nice Center to create solutions.
Finally, students will showcase their idea at a statewide competition. A panel of experts choose winners who will receive cash prizes and resources to make their ideas a reality. The Nice Center at NDSU also will provide scholarships for students who want to explore entrepreneurship after high school.
Teachers, mentors and businesses are invited to learn more and get involved with the program through The Nice Center website.
The Nice Center also is set to host a webinar for teachers and mentors on Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m. More information and registration is available on the center’s website.
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