Summer at CHOOSE 180

School-Based Diversion’s 2024 summer entrepreneurship program hosted 12 interns from the Highline and Seattle school districts and community-based referrals. Each intern was tasked with coming up with a business plan that aligned with their passion and expertise that they could capitalize on after the internship was completed. After onboarding/formal introductions, school-based diversion (SBD) coordinators and interns established group norms and expectations to abide by for the entire duration of the internship. If broken, restorative practices such as; healing circles, compass training, and one-on-ones were in place to counteract future misalignment. Trish, program coordinator, shared her thoughts on the summer.

What is the summer entrepreneurship program like? 

The summer entrepreneurship is offered to teach young people how to create their own businesses. Aside from the actual business components, they have the opportunity to build relationships with one another, staff, and local business owners. They learn skills like; public speaking, time management, confidence, and connection.

Each intern created and cultivated a unique business plan that could fulfill their entrepreneurship aspirations by applying their previous experiences and education. 

Interns started by focusing primarily on these three areas of business, then went on to develop an entire businness plan, which they presented to a panel of judges at the end of the program. 

• Creating their why

• Mission statement

• Elevator pitch

What type of growth did you see throughout the program? I saw a ton of growth, their confidence increased and they came out of their shells. I definitely saw a lot of them mature throughout the process and feel comfortable in their own skin.

What were the highlights of the program this year?  I really enjoyed the field trips, especially the Family Fun Center. The interns and staff had been working so hard this summer and it felt so amazing to just go be a kid and blow off some steam!

The program was designed for every week to be a building block to thoroughly explain each element they would need to have for a successful launch of their businesses. Interns were given a multitude of workshops from CHOOSE 180 staff and local business owners to learn things such as trust building, storytelling, financial stability, marketing, eco-friendly practices, presentations, market research, etc. Although the program was primarily rooted in educational enrichment, interns were also able to have fun at field trips such as the Family Fun Center, Noir Lux, Henry Moses Aquatic Center, WNBA basketball, Wings Over Washington, and the Burien Farmers Market. 

Ultimately, whether or not any of the interns turn their business from noodles to profits, each intern was given the opportunity to learn, have fun, and create lifelong memories from the program.

“I was able to understand myself better as a person and build relationships with my peers. I also feel like my fear of public speaking is minimized, and not so nerve-wracking now. I appreciate you guys for being there for me.”

-2024 Participant, Souljah T.

SBD as a team would like to thank each and every one of you who came out to support the program and students growth this summer. Join us on the journey towards justice by supporting our work. Stay up to date on all things CHOOSE 180 by subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.