Program Overview

Entrepreneur Academy is a yearlong, two-period experience that immerses students in Design Thinking, customer discovery, rapid prototyping, and venture pitching. Learners cycle through research, build, test, and iterate—developing a portfolio venture and the professional skills to communicate it with clarity and confidence.

Credit Summary

Yearlong program (2 periods daily)

2.5 high school credits total • Semester 1 - 1 total credits & Semester 2 - 1.5 total credits

• Innovative Research & Design Field Experience, Strategic Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Capstone

Eligibility & Enrollment

Open to grades 11–12, Dublin City Schools students. No prerequisites. Students should be ready to engage in collaborative work, customer interviews, rapid iteration, and public presentations. OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal—alignment starting 2025/2026.

Who Should Participate

Students who enjoy creating, designing, solving problems, and leading teams. Ideal for future founders, product designers, marketers, managers, and anyone eager to turn ideas into real solutions through research, prototypes, and pitches.

Things to Note

• Authentic venture journey: customer discovery, prototypes, user testing, financial modeling, and pitch decks.
• Showcase opportunities: internal pitch panels and public presentations / business showcases.
• Career exposure: guest speakers, site visits, optional shadowing or internship experiences.
• Estimated work-based learning: Speakers (~15 hrs), Field Trips (~10 hrs), Field Experience (~10 hrs), Projects/Research (~30 hrs), Career Readiness (resume, portfolio, personal brand) (~15–20 hrs).
• Capstone deliverables typically include a polished pitch, executive summary, and a portfolio documenting the design process.

Entrepreneur Academy Course Information

Code: A125

Innovative Research and Design Field Experience (448)

Apply Design Thinking to explore problems, research users, test prototypes, and reflect on field experiences that inform your venture idea.

Strategic Entrepreneurship (449)

Build core business strategy—models, value propositions, customer discovery, and go-to-market planning—to shape a viable startup concept.

Entrepreneurship Capstone (450)

Synthesize research and strategy into a polished venture. Prepare a professional pitch and showcase your business concept.

Quick Links & Resources

• Credit & Credential Options Overview — Overview of AP, IB, CCP, CTAG, and other credit opportunities in Dublin City Schools
• EntrepreNew Academy Curriculum Resource

Future Pathways

Emerald Campus → Education / Employment/ Enlistment/ Entrepreneurship

After High School or 2-Year College

• Launch a startup or continue entrepreneurship study at a community college or technical center.
• Use college articulation agreements for CTAG credit toward Business or Marketing degrees.
• Intern with local businesses to develop leadership and innovation skills.

After 4-Year College or University

• Majors in Entrepreneurship, Business Innovation, Economics, or Marketing.
• Careers in start-ups, consulting, venture capital, or product development.

Military Pathways

• Entrepreneurial skills translate to leadership and innovation roles in the Armed Forces.
  • Army: Logistics Officer • Operations Manager • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Air Force: Contracting Officer • Program Manager • Acquisitions Analyst
  • Navy / Marines: Business Operations Specialist • Supply Chain Coordinator
• ROTC training develops decision-making and strategic planning skills parallel to entrepreneurship.

Career & Professional Readiness

• Strengthen presentation, communication, and financial skills through pitch competitions and projects.
• Build a portfolio highlighting design thinking, strategic planning, and business execution.

Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth

• Start a personal venture or side business using skills from Strategic Entrepreneurship and Capstone courses.
• Develop resilience, creativity, and leadership through real-world application and networking.