Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Nearly 40 rising high school freshmen will design and market their own board game to a real-life company during the Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP).

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's YEP is designed to help teens learn the basics of business in a fun and interactive environment under the guidance of UNCW faculty and local business leaders.

Students will focus on team-building and leadership activities while learning what it takes to brainstorm, plan and execute "street smart" business plans. They also will hear presentations from guest speakers, such as Jimmy Pierce, CEO of Kids Making It, and practice keys to success in high school.

YEP leaders hope to expand the program's reach each year, with the goal of developing an entrepreneurship peer-instruction program for the region. This summer's students will be required to participate in fall and spring follow-up sessions to refresh their knowledge. Some of those students will return to the program next summer as peer mentors for the next class of rising freshman.

Camp highlights include:
Tuesday, July 13 – Thursday, July 16, Daily
10-10:30 a.m. - Team Building—students will play games to build teamwork skills
1-1:45 p.m. – Team Projects—students will brainstorm designs for a family board game outline and will plan how to build and market their games

Wednesday, July 14
9:20-11:15 a.m. - UNCW Ropes Course, meeting at CIS 1008 (media should bring walking shoes)
2–3 p.m. - Guest speaker, Jimmy Pierce, CEO, Kids Making It, CIS 1008

Friday, July 16
10-10:30 a.m. - Team Project—students will put the finishing touches on games and marketing plans, and prepare for presentations, CIS 1008, 1003, 1004
12:30-1:45 p.m. - Project presentations and awards, CIS 1008

Media are invited to capture hands-on activities and interviews with students during any if the sessions.

Media contacts:
Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.632.3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu

Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu