WHAT IS INCUBATOREDU? 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ENTERPRISE 

A Collaborative Learning Experience for High School Students 

The INCubatoredu program offers students an authentic entrepreneurship experience. In this program, students have the opportunity to create and fully develop their own product or service. Real entrepreneurs and business experts serve as volunteer coaches and mentors guiding student teams through the Lean Startup processes of developing hypotheses about a business concept, testing those hypotheses, adapting, and further iteration. The program also includes foundational business topics such as marketing and finance. 

INCubatoredu’s key points of distinction include: 

● Blend of Lean Startup process with foundational business topics 

● Authentic, real-world learning 

● Hands-on problem solving 

● Team teaching with classroom teachers, coaches, and mentors 

● Ongoing professional development for classroom teachers and volunteers 

Learn by Doing

 Over the course of the two semesters, students work in teams and learn by doing. They 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

 Volunteer coaches, 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 (2-4 days) to provide all students with a real-world context for a specific curricular area. The coach and classroom teacher plan 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 is a certified teacher that manages the class and volunteers as well as provides continuity. 

Authentic, Real-World Learning 

A charitable group, such as an educational foundation, may consider providing small grants (<$1,000/team) to the students so that business concepts may be introduced at the “Minimum Viable Product” stage (midyear) and students may gain in-market experience. 

The program culminates with a “Pitch” to investors. Student teams pitch their ideas to actual investors for funding to turn their business plans into reality during the summer and following school year.

Students Learn from a Team of Experts

• Coaches are volunteer subject matter experts, who share best thinking/practices in the classroom.

• Mentors are volunteer guides, who advise student teams as they develop their business concepts.

• Classroom teachers are education professionals, who manage classroom dynamics and provide continuity.

Want to be a Coach, Mentor, Supporter and/or Networker?

Volunteer here: Volunteer Application

Please contact Jerri LaMirand, jlamirand@eanesisd.net for more information.

For more information about INCubatoredu as well as other entrepreneurship programs: Uncharted Learning