Curriculum To complement speaker events and pitches, the Sentry School is reinstating curriculum for students to specifically focus on entrepreneurship. Rather than a major, we have decided to offer a certificate in entrepreneurship instead. The certificate will be 12 credits, with all classes specifically emphasizing entrepreneurship. Although there are a lower number of credits than the prior area of concentration, the emphasis on focused entrepreneurship skills is the same with the new certificate format, but with a more intentional focus on new entrepreneurship classes. The lower credit total also makes the certificate easier to add onto other business majors or majors outside of the Sentry School, making it more accessible for those who were reluctant to pick entrepreneurship as their primary major. The certificate will also build the type of creativity and agility for intrapreneurs interested in applying an entrepreneurial mindset within an organization. The curriculum is intentionally chosen, starting with an entrepreneurial mindset class that teaches creativity and innovative thinking while also exposing students to the real-world challenges entrepreneurs face. The second course in the sequence is a core entrepreneurship course that teaches students how to develop a successful business model. The third course teaches students how to pitch their business model to investors and executives. The final credits in the sequence can be satisfied in two ways. The first is by choosing an elective such as professional selling, market research, or another relevant course. The second option is more unique but
The Pitch is a notable new endeavor for the Sentry School. UW-Stevens Point participated in The Pitch for the first time in 2024, joining UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay, Lawrence University, and St. Norbert College. The competition is really two rounds, with each university holding a qualifying pitch event on campus and sending the two top pitches to the main event in Appleton where they compete for $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. This year’s main event took place on April 28 at Fox Cities Stadium. The Pitch has become a focal point of our entrepreneurial efforts. The qualifying event in February has become a featured event for the Sentry School, showcasing the culture we are building. The event engages the entire campus. While the Sentry School is devoting financial and human resources to hosting the event, the competition is open to all students at UWSP. This year we had participants from 3 of the 4 colleges, with one of the winners coming from the College of Natural Resources. We are happy to provide an opportunity that elevates the entire campus. The competition also provides an opportunity for intensive mentoring. Once the UWSP champions are identified, a team of professors works with the students in helping them refine their pitches. This approach has been very successful with one of our students winning the event in 2024 and sending two others to this year’s contest. Whatever the outcome of the competition, the mentorship helps the students think about their business differently and prepares them to take the next step.
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Center for Business and Economic Insight
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