Summer program at Central offers new venture for local high schoolers

[CCSUNews]

Summer program at Central offers new venture for local high schoolers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2026

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – High school students got a firsthand look at what it takes to turn a promising idea into a viable business during the School of Business's Venture Development Summer Camp at Central Connecticut State University.

Led by new Management and Organization faculty member Thomas Morgan, the weeklong program challenged 17 students to work collaboratively in teams to develop original business ventures from concept to pitch. The participating students were divided into four teams, each named for their project: Tomato Patch, Campus Compass, Proxmedic, and Moveo.

The camp culminated on July 25 with a business pitch competition, where each team presented its venture to family members, faculty, and guests. Their presentations included outlines of their products or services; projected costs and profits; and break-even analyses.

Faculty members from the School of Business, including Dean Lisa Frank, served as judges, asking questions and offering constructive feedback following each presentation. The experience gave students an opportunity to defend their ideas, think critically about their business models, and refine their entrepreneurial skills.

“In just one week, students learned to think like entrepreneurs. They identified problems, developed solutions, created pitches, and collaborated with their teams to confidently present their ideas,” Frank said. “Their growth and accomplishments have been inspiring to watch and reinforce the value of hands-on learning experiences that prepare young people for college and future careers.”

 

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