Griffith expands its programs each year by growing previous clubs or forming new ones. This year is no different. In partnership with the StartEd Up Foundation, a nationwide event, business teacher Maureen Chavez-Reda began the StartEd Up club here at Griffith. “I’ve always had that passion to teach real-life skills and encourage people to do what they dream of doing,” Chavez-Reda said. In a club for aspiring entrepreneurs, participants form a group of 1-3, develop a business or product idea, and create a business plan. Students will then make a presentation to “sell” this product to potential investors.

After this, students have the opportunity to pitch their ideas on stage at Purdue Northwest. They are asked questions they need to answer by judges as well as business owners. This competition can, if won, grant students money towards a scholarship, which goes through many big-name colleges, including PNW, Indiana Tech, and IU Indy.

Along with the previous possibility of scholarships, students also go on field trips and watch people present their ideas. Through this, students learn public speaking and meet new people, like business owners.

The club is also incredibly open to making mistakes due to the philosophy of growing from them. The StartEd Up club offers great benefits and experiences, so if you are interested, give it a shot.