After School Electives

There is a list of traits that entrepreneurs tend to share that will be invaluable in the coming post-crisis economy. Unfortunately, these traits are not only not taught in schools, but are socialized out by the time many students reach junior high and high school. These traits include initiative, creativity, innovation, ingenuity, and tenacity, among others. So, if not in schools, where is the best opportunity to develop these traits? A mentored experience doing entrepreneurial things and studying entrepreneurial classics. Note that these entrepreneurial traits are not limited to actual entrepreneurs who start or buy their own business. These same traits will be highly valued in intrapreneurs, as well. These are employees who apply entrepreneurial thinking within while working in a company or organization. Whether you see your future as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur, this course is designed to start you on that path. Do you want to start a small business offering a service or product? Or do you want to explore apprenticeships in fields of interest? Either way, this is the class for you.

Work with a mentor to plan for and start a small business. Do you need to raise some money to buy equipment or launch a product? Like the TV show Shark Tank, you’ll have the option to prepare for and present a pitch to Ascend’s own panel of advisors and investors. Or maybe you’re interested in a certain career field and would like to learn more about it? Work with a mentor to tap into Ascend’s network to find an apprenticeship or interview professionals.

Recommended time commitment: 4-8 hours per week

Class scheduled once a week on Monday after school from 2:45pm to 3:15pm.

It is intended that after the first 4-6 weeks, students will be focused primarily on completing action steps toward their business or apprenticeship goals, and the mentor may reduce the frequency of classes accordingly.

There may be occasional evening classes for meeting with mentors and pitching to investors and advisors. These will be advertised as early as possible to give students the chance to arrange their schedules accordingly.

A mentor will post available “office hours” for students to sign up and meet via Zoom as needed throughout the semester.

There is no set required number of hours outside of class to dedicate to completing assignments. The more time you want to put into your small business or your apprenticeship, the more benefit you will see from it. There will also be occasional reading assignments to learn entrepreneurial principles that you can start applying. It is recommended that you block out a minimum of 4-8 hours a week.

Instructor: Becky Field

Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30

$95 per month