Learning accounting basics, developing leadership skills, preparing case presentations - these are all common experiences at the Carlson School. What’s less common is seeing all of this done by middle schoolers.

Since 2018, the Carlson School has been partnering with Equity Alliance to bring business education to 7th and 8th graders. Equity Alliance is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to equitable education. They work with school districts to find students who would benefit from a tuition-free, week-long immersion in the college experience.

Many of the students who participate are students of color or potential first-generation college students. Just being on a world-class campus is an eye-opening opportunity.

“The main goal of the camp is to create a really fun, positive experience where they're exposed to business, but more importantly they have the chance to be on campus and to know that they belong on campus,” said Angela Murray, Assistant Director of Diversity, Transition & Retention Initiatives. “We want them to know that college, and hopefully the University of Minnesota, is a place for them.”

The camp includes short courses in finance, marketing, leadership, and presentation skills, and gives students plenty of time to work together on a case, often taking advantage of the Carlson School’s strong relationships in the business community. In previous years, cases have included:

• MILI - Create A Smarter Way to Buy Health Insurance

• EcoLab - Scrub Free Shower Cleaner: SWOT Analysis & Marketing

• Bravura - Product Development & Brand Extension

This year, students are being challenged to develop an idea for a new product or business and present that in front of their peers and a panel of adults. They’re judged on their preparedness, creativity, enthusiasm, clarity, and comprehension.

“We want them to learn how to work together, and build confidence. In the cases, we ask them to do the four P's of marketing and then a SWOT analysis," Murray said. "It's about problem solving, finding solutions, and talking about it. These students grow immensely during the week - they really do take the practical skills they've learned and apply them directly to their presentations, and it shows.”