Emerging Entrepreneurs

Emerging Entrepreneurs empowers middle school and high school students to fill a need or solve a problem in their community and teaches them practical skills required to conceptualize, capitalize, and manage their own business venture. Community volunteers and mentors provide real-world experience and guidance to the student-led startup.

Throughout the process of building their own company, students will be able to:

  • Collaborate with team members
  • Make crucial business decisions
  • Communicate with multiple stakeholders
  • Develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills
Male high school pupil writing on whiteboard in class, classmates checking task answers

EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS TRACKS

Advanced (August through May)

  • Curriculum: 14 JA Company Program lessons (teacher-led; volunteers have the option to present curriculum)
  • Events
    • Subject Matter Expert Career Speaker Series
    • Job Shadow/Company Tour
    • Pitch Event
    • Local Competition

Pop Up (November through May and June through August)

  • Curriculum: 7 JA Company Program lessons (teacher-led; volunteers have the option to present curriculum)
  • Events
    • Subject Matter Expert Career Speaker Series
    • Job Shadow/Company Tour (optional)
    • Mini-Pitch Event

BOLD (November through May and June through August)

  • Curriculum: 7 JA Company Program lessons (teacher-led; volunteers have the option to present curriculum)
  • Events
    • BOLD Speaker Series
    • Job Shadow/Company Tour (optional)
    • Mini-Pitch Event
    • BOLD Summit

JA teachers and volunteers are encouraged, as part of this program, to utilize the resources available in JA Connect™ Learning Pathways, located at connect.ja.org. This self-guided experience includes interactives, the JA Digital Career Book, and games and apps for student use.

JA programs support national and state standards in reading, mathematics, social studies, and work and career readiness. Refer to program brief and overview.

Be a Volunteer!

  • Business Coaches/Mentors (Commit to at least 5 meetings for EE: Advanced and 3 meetings for EE: Pop Up/BOLD with students and working with educator throughout school year; times will be determined by BC and educator during program planning); virtual and in-person opportunities
  • Subject Matter Experts (Create a 15–20-minute pre-recorded subject-matter video with JA staff discussing Entrepreneurship, Funding, Leadership, Management, Business Administration, Product Design/Development, Marketing/Sales, Customer Service, or Finance); optional: present in-person

Your expertise and experience can help students in the Greater Dallas area realize their potential and discover the skills and knowledge necessary to have a successful financial future. 

Become a Volunteer