Business Innovation Academy

Business Innovation Academy is a one-week, interactive, hands-on summer day camp for underrepresented rising 7th- and 8th-graders. Hosted on-campus, the Carlson School aims to ignite students’ passion for learning and provide opportunities to explore higher education and careers in business. The purpose of this summer program is to boost students’ awareness and self-confidence, as well as improve their problem-solving and soft skills.


Program Details

2023 Program Dates

There are three week-long sessions held throughout the summer. Students admitted to the program are expected to attend the entire week of their session.

  • July 24-28
  • July 31-August 4
  • August 7-11

Program Eligibility

  • Middle school students who will be entering 7th or 8th grade in the 2023-2024 academic year
  • An interest in learning about business
  • This program is for self-identified indigenous students, students of color, first-generation students, immigrant students, and/or free-and-reduced lunch students

Program Benefits

  • Experience leadership development, an introduction to business, and an age-appropriate case study.
  • Exposure to higher education and career opportunities
  • Develop students’ teamwork, and communication skills

Schedule at a Glance

 

Monday Welcome & What Is Business? Team Building Self-confidence and How to Build It Intro to Case Study
Tuesday Identity and Student Agency Leadership Workshop Campus Tour  Business Class - Marketing
Wednesday Innovation & Problem Solving Business Class - Finance & Accounting Case Prep Time Carlson/Hanson Hall Self-guided Tour
Thursday The Revision Process Business Class - Presentation Skills Fishbowl Activity Why College? What Now?
Friday Case & Final Presentation Prep Final Presentations Visit from the Raptor Center UMN Bookstore Visit

363

Total students served

10+

School districts represented

70%

Students of color

Become a BIA program partner

Some examples of past program partners that have hosted site visits or participated in the case study projects:

Inspire the next generation of your business leaders and talent

The success of this program lies in the engagement from local businesses and business owners to provide a small amount of time and experience. By offering either a chance for a site visit or participating in our case study project, you can open the door to future business careers for these students. Past participants have consistently ranked site visits and the case study presentations as their most enjoyable and impactful experiences as part of the program.

Find more info & get involved

Participate in BIA

For Summer 2023, participation is limited to students from four school districts: Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley/Eagan/Rosemount, Stillwater, and Forest Lake. Students in these districts should connect with a school counselor.

Representatives of other districts who are interested in participating in the future should contact Angie Murray.