Students from Catawba County Schools participated in the GEAR UP Entrepreneurship Camp from July 27–30, where they spent four days exploring entrepreneurship, career pathways, and higher education opportunities.
Throughout the week, students gained firsthand insight into the world of entrepreneurship by touring several local small businesses, including Conover Hardware, Healthy Pour, Funkheizer’s, the Village Inn Pizza food truck, and the Wholey Cow food truck. They also visited the Manufacturing Solutions Center, where they learned how innovation and advanced manufacturing are shaping the future of North Carolina’s workforce.
In addition to meeting local entrepreneurs, students connected with representatives from the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center, and NCWorks to learn about the resources and support available to aspiring business owners and future professionals.
College and career readiness remained a central focus of the camp. Participants visited four local colleges and universities: Catawba Valley Community College, Appalachian State University–Hickory, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, and Lenoir-Rhyne University, where they explored campus facilities, interacted with faculty and staff, and learned about educational opportunities after high school.
The week concluded with an exciting Food Truck Business Challenge, where students created their own food truck concepts and pitched their ideas to a panel of community judges. The showcase highlighted students’ creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills while allowing them to apply the entrepreneurial concepts they learned throughout the week.
Experiences like Entrepreneurship Camp help students see the connections between education, careers, and their future goals. By partnering with local businesses, colleges, and community organizations, GEAR UP is able to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to dream big and prepare for life after high school.
Despite the summer heat, the week was filled with energy, creativity, and memorable experiences that encouraged students to think like entrepreneurs and explore the many opportunities available within their own community.
Contributed by Holly Ellwanger
