The year-long course will take students through a widely accepted business startup model developed at Stanford University. The Lean Startup Methodology has been adopted across the world including the National Science Foundation and Texas Tech University. Students will identify a problem to solve and will work through market validation of their product or service towards the eventual operation of their business.

“This program is a 21^st Century update to the classic entrepreneurship course,” explained Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Keith Patrick. “The course is community-driven and relies on mentors and coaches from outside the high school to help students find success in building their businesses.”

Community partners will not only drive the program but have helped launch it from the outset. At the January meeting of the Frenship ISD Board of Trustees, the financial support of George and Linda McMahan and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance were recognized for making the implementation of this project possible.

Students will have the opportunity to register for INCubatoredu during course selection in February. They can gain more information about the program from the first instructor for the program, Business Teacher and Head Boys Soccer Coach Scott Smith, at the FHS course fair.

“It’s exciting! We’re going to be providing FHS students the opportunity to build an operating business while still in high school,” said Patrick. “There are definitely students with interests and skills from Fine Arts to CTE who can start their first business right here and learn lessons that will help them be even more successful in the future.”