Entrepreneurial Leadership Program

EL students are equipped with the ability to:

• Map out a business idea,
• Assay target markets,
• Validate product/service need,
• Create marketing plans,
• Construct high-fidelity prototypes,
• Chart economically sound paths to the marketplace, and
• Confidently communicate all of the above to an informed audience.

Concentration Requirements: 3.0 Academic Credits

Required Courses

• Speech (.5 credit, part of Freshman Year Seminar Class)
• Economics of Business (.5 credit)
• Applied Models of Economics Honors (1 credit)* - Offered in 12th grade
• Elective Courses (must choose 2)
  • Business Communication (.5 credit)
  • Fabrication and Design Methods (.5 credit)
  • Leadership for Entrepreneurs (.5 credit)
  • Marketing for Entrepreneurs (.5 credit)
  • Managerial Finance (.5 credit)
  • Social Entrepreneurship (.5 credit)

*2.0 credit hours must be achieved prior to enrollment in Applied Models of Economics in the 12th grade year.

How does the EL Concentration help students towards college and their future? Are there opportunities outside of school for the students? 

Students that participate in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program will learn to be independent and creative thinkers while inculcating team-driven problem-solving skills. This learning environment will encourage students to fall forward, pivot, and build resilience as they prepare to be job creators of tomorrow. The learning is in the doing; student curiosity and sense of urgency drives the learning curve in this concentration. Students will have the opportunity following their junior year to participate in an internship program organized through the EL program along with the EL Advisory Board. 

How many classes must a student complete in order to take Applied Models of Economics? When will my student take Applied Models of Economics, the EL Capstone course? 

A total of four semester-long elective courses must be completed, including the required Economics of Business course, prior to applying for admission to the EL Capstone course.

What kind of experiences will students have in the Capstone course?

This class is unique in that students will be working directly with real entrepreneurs who will present them with critical problems to solve on their behalf. Students are responsible for inventorying and leveraging the distinct skill sets of team members while organizing timelines and presenting deliverables on time. Internet research, in-market surveys, and in-person interviews will be the primary forms of data capture. The instructor will regularly bring in subject matter experts to illuminate business concepts directly tied to project work. The apex of this course is the final project, wherein students use what they have learned during the school year to launch their startups. Students will refine their problem-solving and decision-making skills as they transform ideas into working business models. Students will develop strong communication skills and hone their ability to lead and contribute meaningfully to an entrepreneurial team. Prioritizing and discernment skills will crystallize through the progression of project work. This class is a vehicle to further develop BGA’s shared principles of integrity, inclusivity, intellectual curiosity, and innovation. 

Throughout the year, the EL program hosts entrepreneurs and other area business leaders for lunch and learns, class discussions, and more. If you're interested in coming to talk with our students, serving as a mentor during our Capstone competition season, or partnering with the program to provide real-world learning opportunities to our students, please contact BGA EL Director Brad Dennis at brad.dennis@mybga.org or complete this form.