“This is the first time anyone has really listened to what I have to say.”
What is a STARTedUP Chapter?
Chapters are the front line of STARTedUP’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, gathering high school students monthly to solve real problems in their own backyard. Our Chapters create an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset among high schoolers enabling them to see problems as opportunities.
In a digital world dominated by consuming, these students have the opportunity to start producing. During STARTedUP events, students are actively shaping and impacting their local economies and are given the tools to work as contributors with valued, insightful, relevant solutions.
Chapters are not a bland meeting. There’s nothing theoretical about the work we do together. Students partner with local businesses and nonprofits, entrepreneurs and government officials to solve real problems, in real time. With the help of STARTedUP, many of our students go on to create businesses of their own. Our volunteer Chapter Presidents host monthly Student Innovation Nights where all this magic happens.
Program Details
Format: Student Innovation Nights (monthly)
Duration: 1 Year Commitment
Time: 8 hours per month (includes event hosting and prep)
Are you a high school educator who is passionate about creating innovative opportunities for students?
Do you have a vision for connecting the innovative problem-solving potential of your students with your community’s needs?
Does it excite you to mobilize and empower students to unlock their own entrepreneurial potential?
If so, becoming a Chapter President may be the role for you!
“This is incredible... this impact for our community, this is exactly what learning should be. ”
Outcomes and Benefits
89% of STARTedUP students report higher understanding of their purpose and passions
70% of STARTedUP students report that their college major or career plans shifted
40% of students exiting Innovate WithIN formally launch their business
Commonly Asked Questions
What does the role of Chapter President entail?
The Chapter President is a volunteer position sparking innovation and entrepreneurship among high school students via organizing and facilitating monthly Student Innovation Nights. Click here to download the volunteer role and responsibilities description.
How much time Will this take?
The commitment is 8 hours per month (approximately 2 hours per week, inclusive of event hosting and prep time).
What kind of support does STARTedUP offer to my Chapter?
Chapter Presidents convene regularly with the STARTedUP Program Manager where they check-in, offer support, creatively brainstorm, problem solve and discuss student and community engagement. Additionally, each Chapter President works with the Program Manager to ensure that Student Innovation Nights are resourced well. STARTedUP ensures that each Chapter is well equipped with the digital and physical resources necessary to succeed.
what length of time is this volunteer commitment?
Chapter Presidents pledge a one-year volunteer commitment. Successful, vibrant Chapters mature with each compounding year.
How many students should I expect to participate in my first year?
On average, first year Chapters average 20-30 consistent students.
How important is support from my school or district?
Although not a requirement, Chapters experience dynamism and steady growth when a school or district gets behind the initiative.