Go from Student to CEO

Want to create, build, and launch your own business?

Instructors from the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business will help you connect your talents and interests to a business opportunity.

Over the academic year, you will:

Moreover, high school students who graduate from the Academy qualify for LSU credit.

  • • A fun, project-based after-school program for Baton Rouge area students entering grades 8-12

    • Hosted at the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, with access to:
    LSU faculty from Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems
    Fellows from the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute
    ○ LSU Business Education Complex
    LSU Innovation Park MBA students, engineering interns, and business counselors
    ○ ProtoStripes prototyping center at LSU Innovation Park
    LSU Student Incubator – networking space and counselors

    Taught by business school instructors and local entrepreneurs

    • Graduates qualify for LSU credit if enrolled at LSU within 4 years

    • Open to students entering grades 8-12 from the nine-parish capital region of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parishes

    • About classes
    ○ Held Wednesdays from 5-8 PM
    September to April except during breaks
    Dinner is provided

    • Tuition is $995, with need-based scholarships available.

    Learn business fundamentals through lectures, projects, and field trips to area businesses

    Develop your business plan that you can carry forward after graduation from the Academy

    Build skills that will change your life...no business experience is required; only a drive to succeed

  • • Turn your passions and talents into a real business

    • Build a network of like-minded entrepreneurs

    • Qualify for LSU credit

    • Learn from proven, successful entrepreneurs and mentors

    • Write a business plan

    Develop your brand by creating a company logo and website

    • Perfect your elevator pitch

    File your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office

    • Learn from area businesses through field trips

    • Learn about franchises and other business structures

    • Develop an understanding of expenses, income, and taxes

    • Hear about available government resources

  • Applying is as easy as 1-2-3!

    1. Complete the written application that includes two short essays.

    2. Send us additional materials:
    • your transcript - an unofficial copy from your school website is fine
    • a recommendation letter - from someone outside of your family
    • a photo of yourself - a clear mobile phone photo is fine

    3. A short, 20-minute Zoom interview will be scheduled, allowing you to introduce yourself and tell us more about your interest in the program.

    To start the process, click here to apply now!

“Education is not the learning of facts, it’s rather the training of the mind to think.”

— Albert Einstein