High school students Learn to “Think Like an Entrepreneur” -- and earn free college credits

This summer, 90 high school students from four states came together at Rowan University’s Business Hall for more than just a crash course in business. They learned how to lead with empathy, think creatively, and make a real impact — all while earning free college credits.

Now in its ninth year, the Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy—hosted by the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE)—challenged rising juniors and seniors to tackle some of the world’s thorniest problems. Their mission? Develop innovative solutions aligned with one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which range from ending hunger to ensuring clean energy and protecting the planet.

Funded by a grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the program offered students three transferable college credits for completing the four-day academy June 23–26.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said RCIE Director Jessica Vattima. “Some students drive two hours each way just to be here. It’s free, it’s impactful, and it’s a chance to earn college credit while doing something meaningful.”

And meaningful it was. Students didn’t just learn business principles—they applied them. From problem-solving and customer discovery to prototyping, storytelling, and pitching, each team worked to bring their ideas to life.

For example, the team behind the “Care Copter,” inspired by SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being, designed a high-tech medical drone to deliver supplies to remote areas in need.

“For many people, the nearest hospital could be hours away,” said Manuela Gonzalez of Camden Academy Charter School. “Our drone would bring medicine right to them.”

Her teammate, Colleen Bryceland of Woodstown High School, added, “We wanted to create something that could save lives.”

Students workshopped prototypes in Studio 231, a makerspace inside Business Hall created to turn ideas into reality. Working in 12 teams, they came up with a wide range of solutions—from Eco Builders, who reimagined shipping containers as emergency housing, to Skill Up, a mentorship and learning platform aimed at closing the skills gap.

The academy wrapped up with a pitch competition, where teams presented ideas to a panel of judges. This year’s first-place winner, Team HERizon, created a concept for a wearable women’s safety ring connected to a security app. The team included students from Camden’s Promise Charter School, Clearview Regional, Kingsway Regional, North Bergen, Shawnee, Shore Regional, and Sterling High School.

Since its launch, the Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy has awarded nearly 1,800 free college credit hours. Perhaps more importantly, it’s empowered hundreds of students to see themselves as changemakers.

“This generation wants to make a difference,” Vattima said. “And when you give them the tools, they absolutely do.”