Washington, DC — The United States Mint, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and Southeastern University are teaming up to offer local high school students a Summer BizCamp as part of a national program created by NFTE. The goal of the camp is to train area students on how to start and operate a small business, and to develop strategic plans and recommendations for the Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program.
The BizCamp, hosted by Southeastern University, is an innovative, two–week, summer program that mixes entrepreneurial skills with computer and Internet technology. NFTE is dedicated to teaching inner city, low–income youth the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful business owners.
“The Mint is committed to developing partnerships with academic institutions, education associations and the teaching community, to provide dynamic educational experiences to young people — experiences that they can build on for successful futures,” said U.S. Mint Director Philip Diehl.
“The BizCamp is just one of many educational projects that the Mint is proud to be part of,” said Diehl. “Most recently, the Mint launched the United States Mint H.I.P. Pocket Change, an online educational site for students and teachers in grades K–8, at www.USMINT.gov, and we work in close collaboration with the Academy of Finance at Wilson High School in the District.”
The BizCamp, which runs from July 19th–30th at Southeastern University, features the NFTE Business Start Up Kit and a new curriculum for the young entrepreneur developed by NFTE, which focuses on coin collecting and marketing of the new 50 State Quarters Program. Students meet with executives from the Mint in order to develop marketing plans that can be entered into a national competition this fall.
“Starting our young people off with the skill and drive to succeed in business is fundamental to creating more entrepreneurs in our community,” said Southeastern University President Dr. Charlene Drew–Jarvis.
Participants include students are from Eastern Senior High School, Techworld Charter School, the Latin American Youth Center, Cesar Chavez High School, Marshall Heights CDC, and Greater Metropolitan Boys and Girls Clubs.
For more information about the 50 State Quarters Program, please visit the U.S. Mint website at www.USMINT.gov. For more information about NFTE and its programs, visit www.nfte.com.