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Entrepreneurship

Through electives and independent studies, students can learn how to launch a business.

The value is in the process. Students in Entrepreneurship I and II classes explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, from identifying problems that their business might solve to customer development, product creation, and revenue generation. They then move on to build real businesses. While students may see entrepreneurship as a path toward financial success, their journey often leads to a profound shift in perspective. They begin to see their products and services not just as revenue generators, but as tools to deliver value and improve lives.

Students in BCIL independent studies may work in the Idea Lab for research and planning, move to the BCIL Incubator to launch a product or service, and finally head to Scaling, where they learn about customer acquisition and how to approach the marketplace. 

An Upper School boy sits on the carpet, giving feedback to four lower schoolers

Shark Tank

Each year, our 4th grade problem-solvers tackle an issue that is familiar to them — how could we improve lunchtime at school? How could waking up and falling asleep be easier? After brainstorming product ideas, students do basic prototyping, test their ideas, and incorporate peers’ feedback. They end the project with a splash: the young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of “Sharks” — Upper School students in our own Entrepreneurship classes, who bring insights and wisdom from their own experiences.

Headshot of an Asian male teacher in a navy polo shirt

 

“There's a magical moment in entrepreneurship when students realize their ideas are more than just school projects — they're real-world businesses. For many, it's the first time they're working toward something bigger than a grade, driven by passion and purpose. 

Zach Chien '13, Assistant Director of the BCIL

Featured Project: How to Freshen a Funky Gym Bag

Two medium-skinned boys pose in a locker room with a football and a sports bag
How to freshen a funky gym bag

Ryan D. ’25 and Addison S. ’25 each carried an enormous gear bag — stuffed with a uniform, helmet, cleats, and clothing — every day during football season. They thought it was cumbersome and annoying. Their parents thought It reeked.

Through a BCIL independent study, the football players decided to build a better gym bag. It’s been a journey through concept, research, design, and manufacturing, through slow progress and frustrating setbacks. “I’ve never learned this much through a single project in my life,” said Ryan. 

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Entrepreneurship: A Wakeup Call

Imagine waking up every day to a pleasant scent that makes you want to get up and get moving. Or drifting off to bed to a calming aroma. 

Talia Broder '24 dreamt up Vitalize — an alarm clock that emits your chosen aroma — during a BCIL independent study.  

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