SMEL's exciting day and evening programming support children within grades K through 12. Our comprehensive entrepreneurial and leadership core elements, taught through passion, is specifically designed to inspire students to take on the journey of exploring entrepreneurship. At our core, entrepreneurship is the force and motivation behind our success story.

 

We developed a 9-month curriculum to highlight the importance of forming and managing a successful business. Students engage in STEAM based activities connected to entrepreneurship. We offer three cycles of quality entrepreneurship learning. Cycle One commences September 15 through December 22. Cycle Two commence January 4 through March 31. Cycle Three commence April 9 through June 22. SMEL In/After-school is a nine-month, three days per week, two-hour program. Our after-school program is offered in schools and in community cornerstone locations. 

 

Each cycle offers a unique entrepreneurial and leadership learning experience. Students participate in three simulations [one per cycle] and at the close of Cycle Three participate in annual SMEL 'Think Tank' where students present their business idea, business plan, and sample product(s) and/or service. Our ultimate goal for all students is to generate profit!  This program is offered to schools and community-based organizations starting at $912 per month with a maximum of 15 students. Parents that are interested in SMEL programs can enroll their child in a SMEL Cornerstone which is offered at various locations. Depending on the location, if not sponsored by a school or cornerstone a monthly fee of $62.50 per week may be required. Please note - fees received are used to support our after-school and summer camp programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PROGRAM

 

We are extremely proud of our program. Here's why - students learn the importance of making wise business decisions through critical-thinking and mathematical calculations.  We understand that Math is not the most favorite subject in school. Therefore, through financial literacy and the incorporation of business formulas, our approach tends to ease the anxiety and frustration that student face when confronted with a complex math problem.  

 

Students see how Parentheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction (PEDMAS) are connected to entrepreneurship.  For example, students use many KPIs to analyze their company's performance as well as other public companies. One, in particular, is Current Ratio which determines if a company financial's health is good or bad.

 

THE OUTCOME

 

Students connect their simulations experiences through field reflection and use their mistake moments to foster higher creativity in solving unexpected problems that may arise in their business. In addition, use their gained knowledge to structure their future business, analyze and measure its performance, efficiency, and effectiveness by KPIs. All students will use implementation tactics to overcome challenges faced in their communities by using the 'Ten Principles of Leadership' to fuel innovation. Our entrepreneurs will be more aware and knowledgeable about making wiser and smarter financial decisions which ultimately increases their profitability. 

 

If you feel this program will be beneficial for your students or participants, complete an application by clicking here.