When you ask the average college student what advice they would give their younger selves, they typically respond with, “I wish I took advantage of opportunities that helped me experience and gather more information about different colleges and potential careers.” That response was true 20 years ago and is still true today. It is the driving factor of PSU’s School of Business Summer Business Institute (SBI); an experience that provides underrepresented high school students an opportunity to make more informed decisions when it comes to their education and career path.
The Experience
The SBI, hosted in the heart of downtown Portland at Portland State University, is an overnight program for high school students to experience college life, focus on relationship building and personal and professional development, and explore the world of business. Students come from the surrounding areas and beyond. “Our 2023 cohort comprised two out-of-state students, one international student, and 24 students spread throughout Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Marion counties. They expanded their understanding of business through intro-level business courses, participating in company site visits with an employee panel, conversations with guest speakers, and a group business pitch presentation,” said Stephani Jeronimo, SBI program coordinator.
During the second week, groups are formed based on a multitude of assessment tests and PSU SB’s observation of how students engaged with others. These groups are then asked to pitch a business project. With the support of a mentor, lead mentors, and program staff, groups have four days to develop a product or service that addresses a social, environmental, or economic issue, then compete in a shark-tank-style pitch presentation to a panel of judges and an audience of nearly 100 people.
This year, groups created an app for free transit for low-income students and families, a device and system to reduce food waste, recycled clothing, and a UV-based reusable disinfecting water bottle.
One of this year’s students, Leonie Benn, went home and shared her experiences with her mother, Emilie Benn. Emilie was so proud that she posted on LinkedIn about her daughter's experience.
“She had the opportunity to visit Intel Corporation, Wieden + Kennedy, as well as receiving classes in business by guest speakers from multiple companies such as Nike. She learned about entrepreneurship and sustainability. At the end of the week, with her team, she had to present in front of a panel of judges, a company idea and product that would solve a social problem while being profitable. She was the #cmo and did excellent. Understanding who her target audience was, created multiple logos and product rendition. She had a solid media buy of $30k/month: 90% being solely on social media! You got it folks: Gen Z and Alpha - all social. The other 10%, you are not gonna believe it: OOH #billboards! And there was no buy for digital display ads! #interesting isn’t it? They taught all those kids how to use LinkedIn and have them take the Gallup Strengths finder test. She had an excellent time and I cannot be more proud of what she has accomplished this week.”