EduSerc and Microsoft Provide Formal Entrepreneurship Training to Students in Chicago

On November 12, 2018 and January 21, 2019, EduSerc and Microsoft trained our Chicago IPLD leaders how to turn their industry projects into a functional and marketable business idea.  

Performed in Schaumburg, Illinois at the Microsoft Store, EduSerc student leaders learned how to develop a successful business plan, marketing strategy and cost analysis for their first venture. As a culminating activity as they work with their mentors, students will present their plans to their school leaders, corporate sponsors and mentors that have supported them along the way.  

This initiative even drew the attention of a local business owner and CEO of a web design company to listen to their businesss pitch and prepare them for the intensive questions that will come once they present at EduSerc’s national conference.  

Students also had the opportunity to chat with each other across the country and see all of the other upcoming scholars in EduSerc in the Washington DC area as well!   “I love this program.” said Amarie Boyd from Chicago, one of EduSerc’s IPLD mentees.

EduSerc hosts the Annual Career and Professional Development Conference (ACPDC), where students gain exposure and training in a variety of industries and showcase their innovative talents in skilled-based competitions. Microsoft sponsors this event, with a number of other corporations, and supports the dreams of graduating seniors with scholarships or other awards during the event. 

Student projects this year range from culinary dishes, a community service businesses and interactive joystick controllers for those with disabilities. “I’m really excited about our program this year, because we have a diverse student population from many cities.” said Brian K. Smith, Executive Director and Founder of EduSerc. “We hope to expand our efforts to other districts.” EduSerc gives special thanks to Raymond King and Paula Brkich, Community Education Specialist at Pentagon City, VA and Schaumburg, IL respectively for their coordination and training from their staff members.  

To learn more about EduSerc, visit https://www.eduserc.org and to learn more about the Industry Pipleine Leadership Development Program, visit https://www.eduserc.org/ipld .