BUILD Metro teaches kids to dream big (courtesy BUILD)

by Cesse Ip

Twenty-seven students are excited to participate in this year’s BUILD program, now in its third year at Roosevelt High School. The program encourages students to become entrepreneurs by thinking creatively and “outside of the box.” Students learn skills that are necessary not only in school, but in life, like: Communication, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Innovation, Grit, and Self-Management.

Using these skills, students work together in teams to develop a product, service or campaign that will become their business. Students form teams to become a corporation, with a CEO (Chief Executive Officer), CFO (Chief Financial Officer), CDO’s (Chief Design Officer), and so on. They develop a product, make it, and sell it.

Similar to Shark Tank, the students must pitch their idea in front of a group of investors who are local volunteers from the business world. Once funded, the students make their products for sale, and compete with other BUILDers.

Last year, a group of students from Roosevelt came in first and second in the Sales Pitch Competition. Check out last year’s winning Roosevelt team, who came up with “Candle Essentials,” (and admittedly, also came up with the best tag line, “We have your scent, if you have the cent”).

The program is sponsored in part by BUILD Metro DC, who is always looking for volunteers to help with mentoring students. Within the school, it’s run by staff member Carleather Ponder.

Shemia Anderson, Pathway Coordinator for Roosevelt High School, said that BUILDers are most excited excited to compete in-person with other schools this year. Students have the most fun during team participation in team-building projects like an egg drop competition, and that they look forward to learning how to be entrepreneurs.

Good luck to this year’s students!