To Innovation and Beyond: Program Models for Building Entrepreneurship and Innovation Extracurricular Programs
Providing extracurricular programs for community college students can be challenging due to the competing demands students face. Yet, it has become increasingly important for community colleges to provide their students with a level of academic rigor that not only prepares them for their careers, but also helps them develop critical-thinking and soft skills. Recent entrepreneurship programs focus on the importance of pitch competitions to assist students develop their business ideas. The City University of New York has moved away from the concept of a competition-based entrepreneurship program, and instead, developed a comprehensive Innovation Challenge program staffed by mentors and professional industry experts and based on the Lean Launch Methodology taught at Stanford University. This pedagogical approach teaches students the importance of testing a value proposition, while providing students with opportunities to develop their interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.
Webinar participants will learn about the Business Model Canvas, how to implement the Lean Launch Methodology in their curriculum and programs, best practices for implementing an Innovation Challenge in their local community, and program outcomes developed for community college students.
Christine Mooney, Associate Professor, City University of New York – Queensborough Community College
Christine is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and has taught a variety of Business Management courses for over 10 years as a member of the Queensborough Community College (QCC) faculty. Christine has also served as a faculty mentor on the QCC Fed Challenge Team since 2004, during which time she and a colleague coached their team to two National Community College Finals. Christine holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Queens College and a law degree from New York Law School. Christine is a trained instructor for the National Science Foundation I-Corps program and the founder of the Community College Innovation Challenge at CUNY.
Please Note:
Only those attending the LIVE webinar will receive a certificate of attendance. Thank you!
Academic rigor is at the top of the list for our departmental goals. We set the standards high and then help the students reach (and in some cases surpass) them. Team building with mentors is a collaborative learning method that I will implement in the near future.
I find that the Principles of Fraud Examination class that I teach is one where I can place a great deal of emphasis on the analytical thinking and analysis skills that are so essential for accountants today.
Great presentation.
Dr. Vicki D. Vandervelde – Business Division
Very good presentation. The Innovation Challenge program is a great concept.
Kevin Ward – Business Division
I love how this program pushes people to think of their “customer pain point” rather than just looking for a product to sell. Focusing on the needs of potential customers helps to not only fine tune the product or service, but also make sure that that there is an actual market for the their product or service. I also enjoyed the team building aspect of this challenge which required the use of communication methods other than talking. Non-verbal communication development is a must for students and this is a great way to learn it!
Great presentation!
Miriam Holtzclaw, Accounting – Business Division