What happens when students don’t just learn about the workplace — but actually run one?
That was the focus of Ascend Indiana’s Student-Led Business Exchange, which brought together nearly 100 educators, students, intermediaries, and community partners to share ideas and explore ways to expand and build successful student-led businesses (SLB).
Ascend’s student-led business initiative is backed by new research demonstrating the value of student-led businesses as scalable, high-impact work-based learning opportunities.
Key takeaways to build or expand SLBs:
- The strongest SLBs don’t start with something students can make. They start with a problem worth solving.
- When exploring employer partnerships, let your students tell the story.
- WBL intermediaries can help schools connect with local employers and ensure SLBs align with statewide requirements.
- School Administrators are more likely to say yes when they can see the value and understand the risk.
- Don’t just ask,” What business could we start?” Ask, “What would our community get excited about supporting?”
Paul Ketcham, Assistant Secretary of the Indiana Department of Education, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the impact of SLBs. “Real or simulated student-led businesses, aligned with workforce competencies, connect learning to real life and builds confidence and purpose for students,” he said. “The confidence they gain through real work travels with the student and strengthens post-gradation success.”
From student showcases and employer partnerships to intermediary support, the breakout sessions offered valuable perspectives from those doing this work across Indiana.
Breakout sessions, with links to their PowerPoints, included:
- Employer Partnerships – The role of employers in SLBs and how to build meaningful partnerships with employers.
- Jody French, Director, CTE & WBL, Perry Central Jr./Sr. High School
- Gary Greubel, HR Manager, Waupaca Foundry
- Securing Administration Buy-In – Effective strategies for securing administration buy-in for your SLB.
- Luke Skobel, Principal, Indiana Creek High School
- Aligning a SLB to Curriculum – How curriculum alignment makes SLBs sustainable, instructionally valuable, and easier for schools to support.
- Jasen Ritter, VP of Partnerships, Project Lead the Way
- SLB Financial Models – How SLBs can be financially structured and what is needed to set up your SLB financially.
- Jon Becker, Partner, Church Church Hittle + Antrim
- Student Entrepreneurial Experience – How to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets in students through the Student Entrepreneurial Experience.
- Don Wettrick, Founder, STARTedUP Foundation
- Kristin Fuller, Chief of Staff, STARTedUP Foundation
- Intermediary Support – How intermediaries can help schools, employers, and community partners work together to create meaningful WBL opportunities.
- Emily Menkedick, Director of Innovative Learning, ROI
- Hannah Karl, Education Specialist, ROI
- Ascend WBL Resource Hub – Introduction to tools and resources on Ascend Indiana WBL Resource Hub
- Nioka Clark – Senior Director of Workforce Strategies, Ascend Indiana
A highlight of the SLB Exchange was the Student Showcase, featuring student leaders of Patriot Manufacturing at Owen Valley High School. Patriot Manufacturing is run entirely by students and provides screen printing, embroidery, laser engraving, graphic design and more. Roles range from C-suite to production managers to marketing managers and more. The students shared how they manage, operate and fund the business, and the real-life skills they’ve developed. When asked about their goals after high school, many of the students said they plan to pursue a business degree.
The day concluded with the announcement of the Ascend Indiana Student-Led Business Microgrant that will provide up to $5,000 per school to support up to eight schools in launching a high-quality, sustainable SLB aligned with Indiana’s work-based learning requirements.
Visit Ascend’s SLB page to learn more.
