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Launchpad Center for Accelerating Success

Teen Entrepreneurship Programs in Collaboration with UC San Diego's Rady School of Management
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Updates

Posted on Feb 5, 2019

On May 28, eighth graders from Pacific Ridge School participated in a week-long Launchpad entrepreneurship experience introducing them to a range of skills, including marketing, design, development, research and more.

Through the workshop, students met with innovative thinkers, CEOs and communit...

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Posted on Jan 27, 2019

Launchpad and San Diego Libraries are teaming up to host 22 participants for an exciting week dedicated to introducing students to entrepreneurship and innovation. Instructed by Tina Klein, Ph.D., Founder of Launchpad (The Center for Accelerating Success), this hands-on training program will be 5...

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Startup Summer School at UCSD ($1,150)

Jul 8, 2019 – Jul 19, 2019

Curious about entrepreneurship, but not sure where to start? This two-week course is designed for aspiring high school entrepreneurs who want to explore this path. From developing new business ideas, learning marketing, research, and leadership skills to entrepreneurial strategy and pitching, thi...

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Services

Launchpad Teen Entrepreneurship Programs

  • Types of Programs

    One and two week bootcamps that utilize a mix of lectures, exercises, discussions with founders of startups, an online simulated environment, and visits to research labs & facilities to teach students how to 1) overcome the top hurdles to starting a company, 2) come up with viable business ideas, 3) understand the marketing mix and choose target customers, 4) develop positioning and entrepreneurial strategy, 5) define goals as an entrepreneur and business, plus 6) pitch and sell idea(s) to customers and potential investors. Programs are both tailored and open-enrollment.

  • Who are we working with?

    San Diego Jewish Academy, La Jolla Country Day, Francis Parker, Pacific Ridge, Del Lago Academy, the Nordson Foundation, Barrio Logan College Institute, and the San Diego Libraries, along with individual students from San Diego High School of International Studies, Canyon Crest Academy, Bishop’s, La Jolla High, Torrey Pines, and Helix Charter High School.

  • Read more about the educational and real world value of the program

    https://www.francisparker.org/page/News-Detail?pk=1001080

Founder

  • Tina Klein, Ph.D.

    I have taught Marketing since 1996 as a faculty member at renowned institutions: UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management, USC’s Marshall School of Business, MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and UC San Diego's Rady School of Management. Additionally, I enjoy my role as executive educator working with universities and NGOs, teaching students in the US and internationally.Previously, I was a Fulbright Scholar in Berlin, Germany. While there, I also served as an interpreter and translator. I relished my time as a foreign correspondent for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution during the fall of the Berlin Wall and count myself very lucky to have been in the middle of monumental historical events.

What Are People Saying?

  • Lisa Walters-Hoffert CFO, Daré Bioscience

    "I recently had the pleasure of serving as one of the judges of a business plan competition among students of Francis Parker School. I actually forgot that I was observing high school students, as their level of preparation, thoughtfulness, creativity and presentation skills were akin to those seeking an MBA. The session made me realize how valuable this type of experience is for young eager minds. I wish I had had this type of early exposure and training while I was in high school. Launchpad is a wonderful resource, and I have no doubt that the experience will benefit these young adults as they approach college and ultimately their careers."

  • J., Francis Parker School student

    “I liked the simulation and the exposure to this field. The simulation proved to test critical thinking problem solving skills within me, and the exposure showed me what a snippet of college would look like.”

  • Parker Bush, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Instructor, San Diego Jewish Academy

    The kids were completely off the charts excited about what they accomplished and how empowered they felt to be speaking with “real-life business people." We had a couple breakdowns for some kids that were devastatingly nervous to present, but once they got up there they were all smiles coming to me afterwards telling me that this assignment has done “wonders” for their confidence. The results have been amazing. This event really brought out the adult professional in these kids…it’s going to have an impact for a long time."

  • H., Francis Parker School student

    I enjoyed the speakers most of all, they provided interesting insight into the world of entrepreneurship and business.”

  • Listen to Launchpad Founder Tina Klein talk about the why, how, and what of the program

    https://connectedwomenofinfluence.com/launchpad-bringing-entrepreneurship-high-school-students/

Bringing Entrepreneurship to Teens

We aim to introduce high school students to entrepreneurial thinking by utilizing the resources of the Rady School of Management, UC San Diego, and our startup community.  This program builds bridges between teens, CEOs, city officials, educators, entrepreneurs, and the university. Through this initiative, high school students are inspired to embrace innovative thinking and benefit our greater community by creating enduring business ideas, connections, and increasing social mobility.

Launchpad endeavors to provide the opportunity for every student to access the power of youth entrepreneurship education, and to give those that step forward access to the ecosystem to empower and support them now and in the future. With studies showing as many as 46% of jobs for people 30 years of age and under being in the form of independent contractor roles, the need for the entrepreneurial mindset, skills, competencies, and resilience has never been greater. 
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Business Hours

Mon:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed
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