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eAcademy - Entrepreneurship Academy

eAcademy

Learn Entrepreneurial Skills as a High School Student

The eAcademy offers internship opportunities for high school seniors interested in entrepreneurship and small business management. These internships provide hands-on experience in various aspects of running a business, including marketing, finance, and operations. Students can work with local businesses, gain practical skills, and network with professionals in the field. The program aims to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship while fostering real-world applications of their classroom learning. Interns may also have the chance to develop their own business ideas and receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

The eAcademy offers mentorship opportunities designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of high school seniors. Participants can connect with experienced business professionals who provide guidance on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, marketing strategies, and financial management. Mentors facilitate hands-on learning experiences, share industry insights, and help students develop their business ideas, fostering both personal and professional growth. This mentorship not only enriches the students’ learning experience but also builds valuable networks for future career opportunities.

Benefits of the eAcademy

Relationship Building

Students are supported by a large network of regional experts, business owners, and CEOs including over 15 guest speakers and 10 site visits to area businesses. Not all of the eAcademy students may end up owning a business, but they will all become exemplary employees equipped with 21st century skills including: leading by influence, taking initiative, creatively solving problems, analyzing information, managing time and resources, communicating effectively, incorporating soft skills, collaborating with diverse personalities, and knowing that everyone has value to offer in the workplace.

eAcademy high school students at event

Community Connection

The eAcademy strives to empower local youth to succeed here in the Shenango Valley. By exposing them to new opportunities, we aim to build the next generation of leaders and retain young entrepreneurs and business minded professionals in the community. Students will engage in ongoing local community service projects and volunteer opportunities as well as networking events with eAcademy alumni. This program is an important stakeholder in a collaborative partnership that includes two counties, twelve school districts, a local community college, and a business incubator.

Community service members with takes outside

Businesses Creation

This is not a school project—eAcademy students launch businesses through a tangible, life-changing experience. During their one year in our program, high school seniors are placed in small groups with complementary skill sets. The groups then journey through the process of starting a business. Together, they create a prototype using additive manufacturing, complete a business canvas, write a lean startup business plan, participate in pitch events, and present their businesses to funders, investors, and business incubators. Students will understand not only how to develop a viable product or service, but how to effectively bring it to market.

eAcademy students in classroom

eCenter Resources

eA FAQ Sheet
Dual Enrollment
Quick Info Guide
Syllabus
eA Application
PSU FAQ Sheet

eAcademy Testimonials

We are very proud of our eAcademy students. Hear what these young entrepreneurs have to say about their educational experience in the eAcademy program.

“You walk into a room filled with strangers as a dependent high school student. You walk out of the room with a new family as an independent adult.”

Lindsey Polanek

Class of 2016, Commodore Perry High School

“I feel as though through this program I am learning about myself more than I ever imagined. I came in with an expectation, yet it was a thousand times better than expected.”

Avery Teasdale

Class of 2023, West Middlesex High School

“This program instills in high school seniors the entrepreneurial skills that gives them the confidence as upcoming leaders in the next generation. We have the ability to become better problem solvers and public speakers in an interactive classroom environment, that will equip us to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Anna Kavulla

Class of 2023, PHAA

“I think it is very beneficial when we go on field trips. It is very useful hearing successful entrepreneurs talk and explain how they got to where they are today. We toured local businesses in the downtown Sharon area and we got to hear first-hand from business owners how they needed an entrepreneurial mindset to successfully get started.”

Grace Cataloni

Class of 2022, Hickory High School

“The eAcademy teaches you how to take the steps necessary to plan a successful startup business. I enjoy practicing my entrepreneurial skills within my small group as we create our own business plan.”

Braden Davidson

Class of 2022, Hickory High School

“If you are looking to start your own business or just gain career readiness skills, I would recommend the eAcademy! The program teaches you necessary skills and steps to build a successful business as well as providing important life skills such as public speaking and teamwork. Ms. Katie ensures that our learning and lectures are as fun as possible including things like games, field trips, hands-on learning and more!”

Ryleigh Clark

Class of 2024, Hickory High School

“Being at the eAcademy is an enchanting experience. Meeting people from new schools, being out in the real world, meeting real business people. Thanks to the eAcademy I feel like I will really be able to branch out in my career and make a difference.”

Jacob Haun

Class of 2023, Sharpsville High School

“The eAcademy program provides necessary life skills. From public speaking to networking connections, you will leave the program with an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. The program prepares students to further their education professionally and successfully.”

Ella Labbiento

Class of 2023, Sharon High School

“Ms. Katie provides students key life and career skills. Not only that, the eAcademy helps students form teams and work on a business idea together. We have several schools participate so we’re always interacting with and getting to know new people. We receive real world experiences that will help us be successful in the future.”

Elias Eckles

Class of 2022, Sharpsville High School

“We do a lot of public speaking at the eAcademy and I think that is a life skill that everyone should practice. It is the number one fear in Americans, so practicing it forces us to step out of our comfort zone with the encouragement of our teacher and our peers within a safe classroom environment. In high school, we have to do public speaking assignments in our LA class. Usually, I would be scared, but because we practice it at the eAcademy, I am much more comfortable doing it.”

Emilee Matthews

Class of 2022, Hickory High School

“When you walk in, you see a class full of different students from different schools. Every day, I walk out with more knowledge of not just entrepreneurship, but the people there that I build bonds with, the same people that may aid me in my endeavors in the future.”

Tyleigh Stinedurf

Class of 2023, Farrell High School

“eAcademy allows us to experience real life, outside of the classroom. It gives us the opportunity to expand our entrepreneurial mindset. From conversing with kids from districts across the county to connecting with entrepreneurs who have already gained success, it gives us a world of opportunities.”

Sean Yeager

Class of 2023, Kennedy Catholic High School

“The eAcademy has shown me how much of an impact I can have on myself and other people. I have learned to grow through uncomfortable situations. The eAcademy has been my best resource for real life application of my unique skills, talents, and interests.”

Libby Kent

Class of 2023, Hickory High School

Commodore Perry High School
Farrell High School logo
Greenville Area Schools logo
Grove City High School logo
Hickory High School Logo
Kennedy Catholic High School
Mercer Area School District logo
Sharpsville Area School District logo
Sharon High School logo
Union Area High School logo
West Middlesex High School logo
PHAA logo

Your Questions, Answered.

Interested in learning more about the eCenter@LindenPointe and our programs? Visit our FAQ page or reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions