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Entrepreneurial Program
The lessons acquired from the GMS Entrepreneurial Program are some of the school’s most profound and long lasting. The program builds on an insight underpinning all instruction at GMS: Project-based work offers the chance to go beyond content mastery. The students develop rarely taught 21st century skills in areas such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving.
A year-long, interdisciplinary learning experience, our seventh grade entrepreneurship course challenges teams of students to design a novel physical product that they manufacture and market to both investors and customers. During the year, each team launches a small company with seed funding from the school. The course apex is a celebratory night during which students present their companies to a panel of respected Silicon Valley investors and sell their products to assembled community members.
The Entrepreneurial Program affects each student in her own way, yet for every student it is a true highlight of their time at GMS. As they progress through the program, students develop strength in multiple areas including leadership and teamwork, creativity and product design, project and time management, mathematics and economics, communications and marketing, and public speaking. Just as importantly, they finish the program with an understanding of their own capabilities as contributors, leaders, and stronger self-advocates. They learn that girls can be creators of products as much as consumers of them.
Design
Our 7th grade Entre teams begin with brainstorming their novel product and it’s design alongside their business. Through multiple workshop days, they test out prototypes and develop their business assets: logos, labels, and product titles. Our students engage in the fundamental skills of Entrepreneurship, dedication and creative-problem solving.
Build or Manufacture
Once the brand and product have been crafted, GMS students tackle manufacturing their product and its varieties en masse. Students determine which materials to use, the cost of each product, and how many individual products they should produce. During this stage, they gain valuable experience in budgeting and collaborative teamwork.
Market
Like any business, our students must design marketing in preparation for selling their products. Students apply their digital art skills to create graphics, collateral, and other assets to get their business name out into the GMS community. They also learn valuable skills in effective communication both verbally and in written form.
Sell
Finally, after building their brand, manufacturing their products, the last step in their business process is selling their inventory. Students and teachers collectively host several events open to the GMS community to view and purchase available products. Students engage in negotiation, thoughtuflly persuasive business tactics, and develop confidence in using their voice. These events prepare them for the apex of the Entre program, where they will connect with investors, and leaders within the tech and business industry within the Peninsula.
