Students at the High School are gaining valuable skills in leadership, communication and problem-solving as part of the LaunchX program.

The students are learning everything they need to know about creating and growing their own business in the entrepreneurship club and competition that motivates them to solve a real need in a different way. They are supported by mentors and the detailed programs and resources of LaunchX.

“LaunchX is not a business plan competition,” said High School English teacher and club adviser Michael Augello. “The students are expected to actually create, test and sell their ideas.”

The theme for this year is “Environmental Sustainability.” Open to students in grades 9-12, the high school has four teams in the program working on a way to filter out CO2 emissions from cars; creating a chip bag that is better for the environment; producing a self-sustaining gym and generating a platform that connects people with local opportunities to volunteer.

Each group is encouraged to start in a small market and works with a mentor who has experience in the field and can help the first-time entrepreneurs work through some of the challenges they will encounter.

It is truly impressive to see not only how creative and bright these students are, but how confident and professional they are becoming,” Augello said. “They are gaining skills that go well beyond entrepreneurship and will help them well beyond high school.”