processes of developing and testing a hypothesis , adapting to results , and continually learning and improving . This cycle of experimentation is combined with foundational business concepts such as marketing and finance .

Students Learn by Doing

Over the course of two semesters , students will work in teams and learn by doing . They will develop a business model canvas , gain market input on a minimum viable product , and iterate all elements to improve their business plan .

Students are taught by a team of experts that include volunteer coaches , volunteer mentors , and the classroom teacher . Coaches provide authentic business expertise in a specific area .

They come into the classroom for a short period of time ( approximately 2-4 days ) to provide all students with realworld context for a specific curricular area . The coach and classroom teacher plan lessons and present together . The coach ’ s focus is on curricular content , not war stories . Mentors are assigned to one team and follow them through the entire process providing students with feedback and encouragement . The classroom teacher serves as the program leader and is a certified teacher

that manages the class and volunteers and provides continuity . The Board of Advisors , or “ Sharks ,” is an integral part of the INCubatoredu Team . As seen on the popular TV show “ Shark Tank ,” the Board of Advisors is comprised of 2-3 community business experts to provide strategic guidance and serve as the “ pitch ” audience twice a year , including the Minimum Viable Product Pitch at the beginning of Semester 2 and during the Final Pitch at the end of the year . The Board of Advisors , or Sharks , provides a strategic voice and evaluates pitches at the MVP phase and for possible funding at the Final Pitch phase .

An Open House will be held on May 10 , 2018 at Pleasant Hills Middle School from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm for all

prospective volunteers to learn more about the program and meet the TJHS INCubatoredu Team . Community members interested in teaching a lesson or sharing their time and expertise should contact Julie Thornton at julieathornton @ yahoo . com or Carrie Lekse at clekse @ wjhsd . net .

Develops Life-long Learning Skills

In the real world , where simple answers are few and far between , where change is constant , competition is fierce , and the careers of tomorrow aren ’ t yet known , students armed with an entrepreneur ’ s toolkit will have a distinct advantage over students who are used to simply “ doing ” school . As an outcome , students will develop the necessary skills for the 21st Century economy including :

• Blend of Lean Startup process with foundational business topics

• Authentic , real-world learning and adaptability

• Hands-on problem solving and critical thinking

• Collaboration , communication and creativity

INCubatoredu creates a foundational experience for high school students who will study entrepreneurship and business in college as well as for those students who enter the workforce after graduating from high school . Ultimately , entrepreneurship is about turning ideas into reality and using those ideas to change the world . INCubatoredu prepares students for the complexity of the challenges facing the world today .

INCubatoredu @ TJHS Team Program Lead / Classroom Teacher Lisa Kostella

Community Champion Julie Thornton

PR / Community Engagement Carrie Lekse

46 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS