TESA Grand Rapids - Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Grand Rapids Teen Academy
Launch an Idea Out of this World!
grey

During the five day academy, teams of three to four students from different schools will manufacture an original business pitch from the idea stage to a developed concept. They will participate in lectures and hands-on learning sessions along with creative problem solving tasks. On the final day, each team will present their idea to a panel of local business professionals for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $1,000!

About the Teen Academy

June 18-22, 2012 register online by June 1

For the past five years the Teen Entrepreneur Summer Academy has built high school students into budding entrepreneurs. In order to extend the TESA opportunities to more students, the academy is offered in two different locations. Students living in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area will have the opportunity to work on the GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus, and have full access to all the resources the university has to offer. Students will use the campus faciltiies as they come together and learn valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Acceptance Requirements

Registration for the academy is $25, and a full refund will be awarded after the student attends all five days. The Teen Academy is designed for high school students entering grades 9 through college freshmen in the Fall 2012 semester. Students are selected based on areas of interest, GPA, and recommendations by teachers, counselors and principals. Register online and submit a letter of recommendation by June 1. Students will be prompted to submit a 200-word essay during the registration process, so it is advised to type this essay in a word processor first. Payment is required for registration. Please contact CEI with any additional questions at cei@gvsu.edu or 616-331-7582. Fax letters of recommendation to 616-331-7583, scan and email to cei@gvsu.edu, or mail to:

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Grand Valley State University
401 W. Fulton St, Suite 272C
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

>>Apply Online

Daily Itinerary

Academy Theme: Urban Development

Day 1 Industry Overview & Market Research
Day 2 Marketing Plan
Day 3 Management & Operational Planning
Day 4 Financial Instructional Plan & Presentation Planning
Day 5 Final Pitch Competition & Award Ceremony
Day Schedule

9:00AM Students Arrive
9:25AM Instructional Session
11:30AM Lunch Break
2:00PM Planning/ Workshop
2:45PM Launch Activity/ Reflections

FAQ

Will my son or daughter need to provide his or her own transportation? Yes, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from the facility. Students who wish to drive themselves must follow these parking guidelines. Please park in the Fulton St. lot (#14 on the map).

Will lunch be provided at the summer academy? Yes, lunch will be provided for the students; this cost is incorporated into the registration fee. Students will also be provided with breakfast each morning at the academy.

What kind of business ideas will the students be building their plans around? This year's theme is Urban Development. Students will learn how cities grow, survive and become intertwined with surrounding communities.

What is the dress code? Students will be given a TESA t-shirt to wear for the first four days of the academy. These t-shirts help staff recognize and keep track of teams. Students are expected to be dressed in business/office attire for their pitch on the fifth and final day. Review Dress Code.

Is my son or daughter expected to attend the academy in its entirety; what if they have a conflict? Yes, students are expected to be present each day and support the efforts of their team. Please contact CEI at cei@gvsu.edu or 616-331-7582 if a student must leave early, arrive late or miss a day.

Will my son or daughter need to bring any materials with them? All materials including pens, pencils, paper, supplies or any other tools needed to further the experience at the academy will be provided. We will provide university computers for the students, but because many of the students perform in-depth research, they are allowed to bring laptop computers at their own risk.

Grand Rapids Campus Map

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus provides students with access to community resources such as businesses, hospitals and government agencies. These institutions provide internships and act as research hubs for students to compete in a knowledge-driven economy. Grand Valley State University has gladly offered the use of its Pew Campus to help students get the most out of their summer academy experience. Located at 401 West Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Download Map.

>> Google Map