What is it going to take to become a young entrepreneur?

How do you truly stand out in the college admissions process that gets more competitive every year? My advice is: be an entrepreneur, start your own project. This is going to be the only thing on your application that is truly, unique and wholly yours. 

Think about it: anyone else can join the same competition, or complete the same online course. Your student-initiated and student-run project is something that cannot be replicated. It is unique to your circumstances and profile. 

What’s more, it could well be the centerpiece of your entire application, linking together your personal statement, your activities list, your supplementary essays and perhaps even your choice of major. 

WHAT IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT

The most basic explanation for entrepreneurship is two-fold: first, the ability to envision something where there is currently nothing; second, the determination to work hard and to endure hardship for a vision that others may not see or share. 

To put it bluntly, the road to becoming an entrepreneur is not easy. It is often a long and lonely road. However, every single person who has tried to walk down this road, even if they do not reach the end or simply decide to change paths along the way, will tell you that what they have learned on this road is unique and irreplaceable.

Let’s dive into specifics, what can we learn on the entrepreneurial path? From the leadership perspective, one may learn:  

• How to articulate your ideas clearly to others

• How to convince others of your ideas, even to join you in your entrepreneurial endeavor 

• How to organize from within your social networks

• How to build up up a leadership structure

• How to establish and maintain leadership authority 

• How to mediate or resolve personnel disputes

• How to motivate your team to work toward a shared vision

Taking a step back, in the process of cultivating entrepreneurship, you will also encounter significant elements of personal growth. You may learn:

• How to handle interpersonal relationships

• How to be strategically observant and perceptive

• How to seize opportunity

• How to decide when is the right time to give up or to cut your losses

• How to be more patient

• How to persevere against all odds

• What it means to be a visionary 

As parents, we all want our children to grow holistically, balancing education, health, and happiness. Yet, we know we can't shelter them forever. Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit is a unique way to foster their independence, integrity, and maturity beyond traditional learning or extracurriculars.

In college admissions, being a young entrepreneur stands out amidst the crowd of high achievers. While many applicants excel academically and in multiple activities, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive sets students apart. It's not about starting a business or making profits; it's about envisioning something new and persisting through challenges—a quality highly valued by top universities over solely chasing grades through intense tutoring.

WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES PREVENTING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM STARTING THEIR OWN VENTURES

Starting an entrepreneurial journey in high school isn't easy. Often, the biggest hurdle isn't legalities or school resources, but the students' lack of belief in their capabilities. Mentoring reveals entrenched mindsets—they doubt their potential, thinking, "I'm just a high school student." My role is to break this barrier, nurture confidence, and redefine entrepreneurship as diverse and possible at any age.

Most students harbor entrepreneurial inclinations but never voice them due to self-doubt. Overcoming this is the initial step. Though managing legalities and operations is challenging, guiding students reveals hidden community resources and unexpected support. Once shown the path, they realize entrepreneurship is tough, yet not as daunting as they thought.

WHAT THE LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION LAB CAN OFFER YOU

Starting your own new project requires a clear goal. Students must be innovative, adept at project management, and determined to work hard and persevere against all odds. 

Our Leadership & Innovation Lab is focused on helping students to learn, develop and practically apply these precise skills.

What is unique about our Lab is that we place great value on hands-on application. Under the guidance of our experienced mentor, students will explore and discuss various entrepreneurial and management skills, then work in small groups, building on collective wisdom, to form their own new ventures. 

As a final cherry on top, our Lab will even guide students on how to strategically amplify their entrepreneurial efforts and curate demonstrated impact, as well as integrate their entrepreneurship into their overall personal narrative in a manner that is optimized for college applications. 

Visit our website for further information about our Lab.