The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and Junior Achievement of Arkansas on Wednesday announced the launch of HubX—NextGen, an entrepreneurial development program for high school students.
The program will give students the opportunity to create and manage new business ventures in a team-based format. Its first cohort will hosted at the Hub in North Little Rock from April 25 through Aug. 5.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with area high school students to teach the fundamental principles behind starting and growing a business, while incorporating the lean startup methodology used in leading universities around the country,” said Jeff Stinson, director of entrepreneurship at the Innovation Hub. “Additionally, these students will get to work alongside some of the most innovate healthcare founders in the country as part of HubX-LifeSciences, which will be taking place in parallel at the Innovation Hub. We think the synergies between the two groups will be a special opportunity for both.”
The program will accept 25 students ages 16-18 into its first cohort. Participants will be placed on teams to plan, develop and launch real companies utilizing Junior Achievement’s “Company Program” curriculum.
“We’re excited to partner with the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub on this new project,” said Chad Kauffman, president of Junior Achievement of Arkansas. “We believe in the unlimited potential of young people and HubX—NextGen is going to provide those who participate with remarkable opportunities. Marrying Junior Achievement’s time-tested curriculum with the Innovation Hub’s world-class staff and facilities will provide a one-of-a-kind platform for youth innovation.”
The cost to participate in HubX—NextGen is $750 per student, and scholarships are available. Deadline to apply is March 28.
An informational session about HubX—NextGen for potential applicants and their parents and guardians will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, during an all-day open house event at the Hub, located at 201 East Broadway in North Little Rock.
The Hub introduced its first HubX program last fall, the HubX—LifeSciences health care accelerator presented by Baptist Health and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit ARHub.org/HubX-NextGen.
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