Ramping up for Junior Entrepreneurs of Minnesota 2012!

April 10, 2012 - PRLog -- Preparation for the University of Minnesota’s Junior Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (jEM) Summer Camp’s fourth year is in full swing, and the application deadline is quickly approaching! A number of guest CEOs have generously agreed to stop by and share their entrepreneurial success stories with the students this summer. Among them are Davanni’s co-founder Roger Schelper, “Famous” Dave Anderson, 3rd Lair Vice President Mark Rodriguez, and Western Bank owner Bill Sands. The program has already attracted some exceptional applicants from all over the Twin Cities, and 2012 is looking to be the most competitive year yet. Visit http://www.bced.umn.edu/jem-application by May 8 to apply online.

As proven by past participants, jEM provides unique, life-changing opportunities to local youth. Aside from an abundance of leadership and entrepreneurship knowledge, students will also take away lessons in self-awareness and personal development. One parent of a 2011 participant reported,

“(My child) is more independent and confident. She doesn’t seem to be as frustrated when she makes mistakes. It teaches them how to be responsible and respectful of others and their opinions, while getting their own opinions across at the same time.”

The Office for Business & Community Economic Development has continued to work with several students through the Youth Enterprise Program as a result of jEM Summer Camp, as well. After competing in the final “biz pitch” competition on the last day of camp, three groups of students are chosen by a panel of judges to receive funding to start up their enterprises. Check out this year’s Youth Enterprise participants and their businesses at http://www.bced.umn.edu/jem-yep!

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jEM is a series of programs intended to enhance students' entrepreneurship and leadership skills. A five-week summer camp, various workshops and other ongoing programs are developed in conjunction with the U of M's Office for Business & Community Economic Development. jEM: Be Your Own Boss!