Innovation at Dalat #1  Venture Program

The genesis of this Blog was a series of emails to parents about innovative ideas that Dalat is using to give our high school students opportunities to flourish. In each letter I highlighted one idea with a brief explanation to spark interest and better inform our community of the opportunities to engage in learning in innovative ways. The emails needed a shelf to store them for reference, thus the decision to put them on this blog. The material will seem dated soon but may be useful as a reference.

Encouraging student entrepreneurship skills, the brand new Venture Program at Dalat is designed to give students the opportunity to start and run a business of their own. After some training students can write a business plan and submit it for review. If approved, the student(s) are granted a “Dalat Business License”. This gives them the opportunity to sell to our community and on our campus. They will then have access to our supportive community who can help their small business get off the ground. Already we have had three students working through the program with dreams of starting and running their own small business for the Dalat community.

This article “Five Reasons for Teaching Entrepreneurship” is one of many such articles that highlight a new understanding of the value of entrepreneurial skills to the future economy. There is a need for schools to develop curriculum and create space for students to learn how to identify needs, creatively address them, take risks, and develop businesses around them. The Junior Class Store, the Student Council Store, and our Christmas Craft Fair have all given opportunities for our students to get a taste of running a business. The Venture Program is another step in that direction for Dalat Students.

To further assist students, Dalat has also set aside “seed money” for motivated individuals with a business idea to help get things off the ground. We are working to develop a mentor network to pair students with adults who can help them develop their business acumen.

Students who are interested in finding out more should talk with Mrs. Davis (in the learning lab next to the guidance office). She will be working as a point person for students that are interested in getting started. If you would like to be involved as a mentor, let her know as well (sdavis@dalat.org).

We are excited to see what kinds of ideas our students come up with to provide fun and valuable services for our Dalat community while developing their business skills. And when you see an email from a student with an attached business license, or see a student selling their product or services on campus, you are encouraged to support their venture.