Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Nearly 70 East Texas students from grade 6 through 10 got a head start on their entrepreneurial dreams in July at the Stephen F. Austin State University Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship’s CTE Summer Camp.
ACE, part of SFA’s Rusche College of Business, hosted the teens from 12 schools across six districts at two summer sessions. The center partnered with Startup High as well as local businesses and industries to show how entrepreneurship in career and technical education, or CTE, jobs can open doors and opportunities.
“The camp aimed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in middle and high school students by blending practical career skills with innovative business concepts,” said Matthew Smilor, ACE director. “Our goal was to prepare students for future career opportunities through hands-on learning experiences and real-world interactions.”
The camp’s sessions included field trips to gain guidance from entrepreneurs at local businesses, including Elliott Electric Supply and McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Attendees also visited SFA’s Todd Agricultural Research Center and the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport to meet with faculty and staff from SFA’s aviation sciences program. In addition, attendees participated in professional development activities focusing on networking, creating business pitches and meeting rejection with resilience.
“Students engaged in innovative learning experiences that enhanced their confidence and creativity while networking opportunities with industry professionals further enriched their understanding,” Smilor said.
Out of the more than 130 schools and districts that applied, ACE was one of 61 organizations to receive the Texas Education Agency grant for a career and technical education camp during summer 2024. SFA was also the only school from The University of Texas System to be awarded the grant.
“I believe that TEA selected us due to our effective regional approach for the summer camp,” Smilor said. “Instead of focusing on an individual school or independent school district, SFA committed to serving a broader regional community and addressing the educational needs of a diverse student population.”
Melissa McGinley, the parent of a camp attendee, said she appreciated the camp’s approach.
“The camp was an extraordinary experience for my child,” McGinley said. “Its innovative approach and the opportunity to engage with local business leaders made it a standout program.”
Her daughter, Natalie, who’s entering seventh grade at Central Heights Middle School, also gave the camp high marks.
“The camp was fun, and meeting local business leaders gave me a new perspective on what it takes to start a business,” she said. “My biggest takeaway was not to let others convince you that your idea is bad when your gut is telling you it is good.”
Smilor said ACE plans to expand the camp next summer.
“This year’s camp reached capacity within one week of being announced,” he said. “There is a significant need in our region for educational offerings like this, which highlight how entrepreneurial skills can benefit students in their future pursuits across various fields, industries and trades. Our goal next summer is to be able to offer four sessions and impact over 120 students.”
If you’re a local business interested in helping with the 2025 camp, email ACE at ace@sfasu.edu.