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TriDistrict CAPS Students Pitch Business Ideas to Secure Internship

SSP student pitching idea

The TriDistrict CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Business and Entrepreneurship program recently held an exciting event in collaboration with Rêve Academy, where students had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in hopes of securing an "entrepreneur in residence" internship. The event was a showcase of the program's dedication to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the modern workplace.

The "entrepreneur in residence" internship, offered by Rêve Academy, grants students $500 in seed money for their business ideas, access to an industry mentor, logistical support, and the opportunity to earn additional college credits. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the internship can earn 3 college credits, building upon the 3 credits they are already earning through the TriDistrict CAPS program in partnership with Inver Hills Community College (IHCC). The program also allows students to continue their residencies over multiple rounds as they refine and expand their business concepts.

Four students from the TriDistrict CAPS program presented their business ideas to a panel of judges, including:

  • Zander Sielski, from South St. Paul, who introduced his innovative hockey scoreboard app
  • Winston Douah, from Two Rivers High School, with a pitch for handmade, custom-designed clothing
  • Derrick Dorso, also from Two Rivers High School, with a concept for a card game called Cut-throats and Thieves
  • Brendan Koester, from Simley, who presented his idea for durable batting gloves

The judges panel included Amy Winter, Executive Director of Educational Services at South St. Paul Public Schools, Ben Kusch, Program Director and Lead Designer of TriDistrict CAPS, Casey Rutherford, Assistant Director of Learning at Inver Grove Heights Schools, and Avery Weiler, Manager of Student Enterprises at Rêve Academy.

The event was a testament to the success of the TriDistrict CAPS program, which encourages students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. By participating in the event, students not only honed their entrepreneurial skills but also had the chance to gain valuable exposure and mentorship. The TriDistrict CAPS Program is a partnership between South St. Paul High School, Simley High School, and Two Rivers High School for students ini grades 11 and 12 to explore their post-secondary options. Through initiatives like this, TriDistrict CAPS continues to prepare students for the future, providing them with both the skills and the practical experience needed to succeed in the competitive world of business.

South St. Paul students who will be juniors and seniors in 2025-26 who are interested in enrolling in TriDistrict CAPS are encouraged to speak with their counselors for more information. To learn more about TriDistrict CAPS or explore partnership opportunities for training the next generation of professionals, organizations can visit careercollegeready.org/employers or contact TriDistrict CAPS Program Director, Ben Kusch, at KuschB@tridistrictce.org.

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