Students from Los Angeles Unified’s Linked Learning sum­mer bridge programs on July 22 participated in a project that allowed them to present their busi­ness start-up pitch to a panel of judges at Los Angeles Community College.

Students at Gardena High School, Los Angeles Academy Middle School, Sutter Middle School, Daniel Webster Middle School and Venice High School were enrolled in the Teen Innovation and Entrepreneurial Summer program, hosted by Project ECHO.

During the two-week summer bridge program, students identified a problem and developed a product or service as the solution. In teams, they discussed the advantages of their business, researched competi­tors, designed logos and product branding, worked together to develop a presentation and pitch deck, and learned about target mar­kets, price points and profit mar­gins.

Executives from the business community volunteered to serve as judges and listen to the busi­ness presentations. The quality of the idea, in addition to the research and development the stu­dents put into their start-up, were all be considered to help deter­mine the winning teams. More than 10 teams were awarded first and second place medals, but every student will received a Project ECHO Certificate of Accomplishment that they can include in their college applica­tion portfolios.

“Our summer bridge programs are designed for students to become acquainted with their new school, teachers and pathways and to cultivate leadership and collabo­rative skills,” LAUSD administra­tor of CTE-linked learning Esther Soliman said. “Our partnership with Project ECHO allows us to take our bridge programs to a whole new level by offering an out­standing project-based curriculum that challenges students with this exciting competition.”

“While these businesses remain fictitious, the students quickly engage in this project-based pro­gram where a lot of learning occurs through teamwork and hands-on activities,” Project ECHO execu­tive director Diane Quast said. “The students truly demonstrate perseverance and creativity during this program.”

Linked Learning summer bridge programs are designed to wel­come students into their new school and provide them with an opportunity to learn through real-world, project-based learning, working with teachers and indus­try professionals. Juniors and seniors mentor the students and teach them about the culture of the school and the school’s expecta­tions for them.

Project ECHO, is a non-profit organization that was established in 1996 and empowers students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills so that they can thrive in col­lege, their careers and in their com­munity as change-makers.

For information, visit projecte­cho.org.