Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Impact for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Course Description: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Impact for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Future Builders: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Impact

In a world that’s evolving at an unprecedented pace, tomorrow's leaders need more than just ideas to make a difference—they need the skills and mindset to transform those ideas into action. Welcome to Future Builders: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Impact, where high school students step into the roles of visionary problem-solvers and change-makers.

In this immersive course, students will learn what it truly means to think like an entrepreneur. They'll learn to spot opportunities where others see obstacles, design creative solutions to pressing challenges, and build ventures that balance innovation with impact. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, team projects, and a final venture showcase, students will discover how to turn passion into action. Together, we'll explore how entrepreneurs worldwide are tackling issues like climate change, healthcare access, education, and the rise of artificial intelligence, and how students can begin charting their own path in this dynamic landscape.

By the end of the course, each student will have developed a venture concept, practiced communicating their ideas with confidence, and gained a toolkit of entrepreneurial skills they can carry into college, careers, and beyond. This isn’t just a class about starting companies; it’s about building the future.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Cultivates the entrepreneurial mindset, fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

• Equips students with innovation tools to design purpose-driven solutions.

• Encourages global awareness, linking emerging technologies and social issues to entrepreneurial opportunities.

• Enhances collaboration and leadership skills through team projects.

• Develops impactful pitching abilities, crafting and delivering compelling venture presentations.

Instructor:Kwame Owusu Ansah

Location

Experience the dynamic environment of the Magnuson Venture Studio, where entrepreneurship comes to life. This place-based learning opportunity allows students to see innovation in action and gain insights from industry leaders.

Course Description

Learning Outcomes

• Adopt the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Develop curiosity, creativity, and resilience to identify opportunities and approach challenges with confidence.

• Design Purpose-Driven Solutions: Use innovation tools such as design thinking and lean startup methods to turn ideas into meaningful ventures.

• Apply Global Awareness to Entrepreneurship: Understand how emerging technologies, climate change, and social issues create both challenges and opportunities for future ventures.

• Collaborate and Lead Effectively: Build teamwork, communication, and leadership skills through group projects and peer-to-peer feedback.

• Pitch with Impact: Craft and deliver a clear, compelling venture presentation that communicates both vision and value to an audience.

Tangible Outcomes

• A Mini Venture Concept: Develop a clearly defined idea—product, service, or initiative—through research, ideation, and testing.

• A Pitch Deck or Showcase Presentation: Create slides, a storyboard, or a prototype summary to present your venture idea to peers, mentors, or even future competitions.

• An Entrepreneurial Toolkit: Gain practical methods like design thinking, lean startup canvases, customer discovery templates, and storytelling frameworks.

• A Personalized Action Plan: Develop a roadmap outlining next steps for pursuing your idea beyond the course, including resources, networks, and milestones.

Hands-on Activities

• Hands-On Venture Design Labs: Participate in interactive workshops moving from brainstorming to prototyping ideas using design thinking and lean startup tools.

• Case Study Deep Dives: Analyze real-world ventures, from startups to social enterprises, connecting global challenges like climate change, AI, and healthcare to entrepreneurial solutions.

• Team Collaboration Projects: Engage in small-group work to co-create a venture concept, practicing leadership, negotiation, and teamwork.

• Pitch Rehearsals & Showcase: Participate in guided sessions to practice storytelling and presentation skills, culminating in a final showcase where students present their ideas.

• Personal Purpose Mapping: Engage in guided reflection exercises to connect personal passions and values to the problems they choose to solve.

Guest Speakers

Gain insights from industry leaders like Roy Schmidt, Program Manager, Startup Support at Magnuson Center, and Paula Olson, Senior Program Manager, Design Initiative at Dartmouth.

Admission Criteria

An interest in business and leadership is key to success in this program. Applicants should have a recommended GPA of 3.5 or above in a related field and complete the Summer Institute application, including thoughtful responses to short-answer questions.

Who Should Attend

Aspiring business leaders, this course is your gateway to a successful academic and professional career. It introduces you to the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship, helping you determine if this professional track is right for you.

Benefits

Students will leave the course with portfolio-building documentation, including a branded Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition from Summer Institute, acknowledging their academic achievements in the Dartmouth Summer Scholars program.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Dartmouth College – Campus Profile (Hanover, NH)

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is a distinguished Ivy League institution known for its deep academic tradition, research excellence, and strong sense of community. Set within the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers an inspiring environment for motivated students seeking challenge, intellectual exploration, and personal growth.

Surrounded by quintessential New England beauty, the campus features a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, including iconic spaces such as the Baker-Berry Library. Hanover’s walkable Main Street adds to the experience with cafés, shops, restaurants, and a welcoming small-town charm. The region also offers abundant outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, and access to the Connecticut River.

Students join a vibrant community of learners, take part in a range of academic academies, and benefit from small class sizes led by experienced instructors. The program encourages both academic achievement and social development, offering a balanced schedule of coursework, activities, and excursions designed to help students grow as scholars and individuals.

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✨ Program Environment

• Ideal for high-achieving high school students considering selective universities

• Academically rigorous curriculum taught by knowledgeable instructors

• Opportunities to explore multiple subjects across a wide variety of academies

• Supportive environment that encourages independence, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity

• Beautiful, safe, and walkable campus surrounded by natural landscapes

• Perfect blend of academics, recreation, and community engagement

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing

• 🍽 Three meals per day, 7 days per week

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Linens (two full sets including sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels)

• 🧺 Laundry (detergent/softener not provided)

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental academic fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

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🎡 Top Activities in Hanover, New Hampshire

• 🖼 Hood Museum of Art

• 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

• ⚾ Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball Game

• 🛍 Shopping at the Mall of New Hampshire

• 🎢 Six Flags New England

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety performances featuring comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music