FORT WAYNE — The goal is to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in a fun way.
For its sixth summer, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana will host its Young Entrepreneur Summer Camp June 17-21. The aim is to encourage young people to think creatively, develop leadership skills and ignite an entrepreneurial spirit.
The camp will be held at Junior Achievement on Warren Road, but will be packed with many activities and field trips throughout the greater Fort Wayne area, providing an immersive experience for students.
This camp aims to provide a hands-on learning opportunity for young people who want to explore the world of entrepreneurship. Participants will participate in a series of interactive workshops led by successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, learning about business fundamentals, innovative thinking, and effective communication.
This year’s speakers and companies have already been secured, including Julie Welker of Painted Tree Boutiques, Steve Franks of Believe in a Dream, Tiffany Wagner of Lilac & Lily, Old Ft. They include Logan Weining of Ball Company, Taylor and Jacob Heflin of 260 Volleyball, and Ace Pickleball. Club, The Frozen Spoon, etc. are still in preparation.
Throughout the week, campers work on projects and assignments that allow them to apply their new knowledge to real-world scenarios. During the camp, they will have the opportunity to develop their own business ideas and discuss the concepts with their peers.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this exciting and educational experience to young people who are passionate about entrepreneurship,” said Lena Yarian, president of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.
“Our goal is to give these future leaders the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the business world.”
The JA Young Entrepreneur Summer Camp will be held for students entering grades 6 to 8 next year. Registration fee is $200 per student and includes all field trips, activities, supplies, lunch, and daily snacks. For more information or to register, visit jani.org/events. Space is limited, so early application is recommended.
Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in the global economy. Through various programs and initiatives, JA plans to deliver more than 186,000 educational experiences to students and youth during the 2023-2024 academic year. These experiences promote job and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential.