This is a Mentor run account. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) offers a unique opportunity for students in tenth through twelfth grades to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation by starting a business, launching a product, or offering a service.
You are invited to the Mentor Mixer and EIC Pitch Night on Wednesday March 5, 2025! Network with fellow EIC Mentors and listen to the top EIC businesses pitch in the annual EIC Shark Tank Style Pitch Night. 4:30pm Networking 6:00pm Final Pitch RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/efdNtb4j Reach out to Jeremy Qualls Kris Schneider Paula Chilton with any questions. #pitchnight #mentors
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We are excited to kick off 2025 with our first EIC Mentor Day on Thursday, January 30. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our young entrepreneurs and set the expectations for a successful rest of the year. Don't miss out - sign up now using this link: https://lnkd.in/eU-g43bH Reach out to Paula Chilton with any questions. #mentorship
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Thanks to our mentors Misha Bleymaier-Farrish and Eric Nordhoff! We love partnering to bring these opportunities to our students. #communityinaction #mentors
Volunteering is one of those things that is grounding and serves as a reminder of gratitude. Couple volunteering with mentorship, partnership, and collaboration, now that’s #GSD in action! These two GSD Factor podcast episodes were produced in conjunction with WCS Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, instructor Terry Flowers and mentor Eric Nordhoff who provided podcast mentorship as part of their fall semester. We enjoyed giving one of their Juniors in high school the opportunity to learn and have hands on experience around podcast editing and production. Alex did an incredible job on these episodes! https://lnkd.in/e5ZcupNA #gsdfactor #getstuffdone
More information about our new Innovation Hub coming in 2026! #entrepreneurship #innovation #gamechanger
Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and CCTE at Williamson County Schools
We are still floating from the Innovation Hub groundbreaking on Tuesday. I am so incredibly proud and grateful for all of the WillCo community that came out! We had so many friends and partners show up. This project started three years ago on a dream, and to see it actually take place is incredible. For those that do not know, the Innovation Hub will be located at 104 Claude Yates Drive, Franklin, TN in the lot that used to the Animal Control building next t the WCS Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) housed in the Franklin High Annex building. The EIC will still be used at the Hub for Entrepreneurship. The new building will house students from all ten WCS schools. The Hub will have College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) programs not currently offered in any of our schools. The programs will be: Aviation - partners are Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Hawkins Flight Academy Hospitality and Tourism - partners are Columbia State Community College , Halifax Hospitality, LLC , The Harpeth Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton Heavy Machinery Technology - partners are TCAT Dickson & Clarksville and Caterpillar Inc. Electrical Power Generation - partners are TCAT Dickson & Clarksville and Caterpillar Inc. Cybersecurity and A.I. - Partners TBD Fire Management - partners are Columbia State Community College and City of Franklin, Tennessee FRANKLIN FIRE DEPARTMENT Students will have access to industry certifications, collegiate hours, internship job opportunities. These courses are not just for students not going to college. These programs all lead to jobs, careers, and beyond. The Hub will be a connection point for all parties involved. The Hub will arm students with a portfolio, coupled with the EIC, that will set them apart from their counterparts across the state. Regardless if a student wants to go directly to work, explore skills and get collegiate hours while there, or just wants to explore a possible career, the Hub will provide those pathways. The projected opening date is August 2026. This project was fully funded through a grant called the Innovative Schools Model Grant https://lnkd.in/eBdCnwu7 We would not be here if it weren’t for the team I get the privalige of working with everyday. The #PirateShip is what keeps us going. Kris Schneider has done so much work on this project that she dreams about it. I am forever grateful for her being with me on this journey as well as Paula Chilton Jennifer Cleaver Braiton Hargrove Terry Flowers Chris Cummins Barbara Joines, Jabo Burrow, Eric Harvey and Kim Taylor. The CCTE Team is unreal, talented, and always has the students’ best interest in mind. A huge thank you to the following: Matt Largen Nathan Zipper, MBA Kel McDowell Nick Biniker Jena Brooke Potter Claudia Zuazua, MBA Bryan Doleshel Anna Lisa Roberts Leigh Bawcom and the Williamson, Inc. Team. Their unwavering support has led to this moment.
We recently hosted our EIC MX Showcase which featured six of our middle schools showcasing their innovative hypothetical businesses in a dynamic science fair-style expo. It was incredible to see their creativity in action and thanks to all that came out to support our young entrepreneurs! #entrepreneurship #startthemyoung
Want to give back? Come for a class period or come for all 6 class periods. Whatever is convenient for you. We always have students that need your help and expertise! Next mentor day is November 21st. Message Paula Chilton with questions. #mentor #entrepreneurship
Calling All Car Enthusiasts; Free Photoshoot Opportunity! Two car enthusiasts from Ravenwood High School are co-founders of Peregrine Media, a budding automotive photography business. They are passionate about capturing the unique style and personality of each car they shoot, and they are on a mission to grow their skills and portfolio in Williamson County. They are looking for supercars, sports cars, and classic cars to showcase as they refine their skills. They offer still photography and videography. If you’re interested in helping them out, please DM us and we will get you connected. Help them bring your car’s story to life! #supportlocal
The final mentor day of 2024 is Thursday November 21. This year we have 6 classes. You may sign up for one class period which is 40 minutes or multiple class periods. Whichever is convenient for you and your schedule. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eZ_qd_FM Once you have signed up, we will send you information on what students are working on with talking points. #mentor
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📍 Saturday, the Stronger Sons Mentoring Program had an amazing session at the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC) in Franklin, TN! 🎉 Dr. Jeremy Qualls and his talented students led exciting workshops on Coding, Drone Soccer, and more! 🤖🚁 The boys had a blast and wrapped up the day with a group pizza lunch 🍕—a perfect way to fuel their creativity and teamwork! 🙏🏽 Huge thanks to our dedicated mentors who came out to support, and a special shoutout to Dr. Qualls and his incredible team for inspiring the next generation! 👏🏽 🎥 Now imagine the impact YOU can make! 💪🏾✨ Become a mentor and help guide these boys on their journey, OR join our community of monthly donors to help us continue these powerful experiences 🌍. As little as $25 a month can buy lunch for 3 boys during a Saturday outing, and $50 covers supplies for their growth sessions! 🍽️✏️ Together, we can strengthen families and build stronger futures. Ready to make a difference? 👊🏾🤝 Click here to become a donor or mentor today ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eFJ5uMj3 💻🫶🏽 #StrongerSons #MentorshipMatters #Entrepreneurship #Coding #DroneSoccer #GiveBack #CommunitySupport #StrongerThanMyFather
Thank you to all our mentors who donated their time and shared experiences with our students on our October Mentor Day. We couldn't do it without you! Interested in becoming a mentor? One more opportunity in 2024 in November. Reach out to Paula Chilton. Shoutout to mentors Nikki L. Garry, MSA Aaron Hale, CPA, Wesley Burdette, Dan Phillips, Brooke O'Dell, Misha Bleymaier-Farrish, and so many others. Jeremy Qualls, Paula Chilton, Kris Schneider, Chris Cummins, Terry Flowers #mentor #entrepreneurship