UMD Teen Enterprise is a summer program that gives high school students the opportunity to learn firsthand what it takes to be an entrepreneur. It is supported by LSBE's LaBounty Center for Entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement of the Twin Ports, the Minnesota Small Business Development Center, and private businesses.
The Award Process
To be in the running for a UEDA Award of Excellence, colleges and universities nominated their leading-edge initiatives in one of five categories. UMD CED entered UMD Teen Enterprise in the 'talent development' category.
The UEDA Awards Committee then selected four finalists in each category. UMD Teen Enterprise was selected as a finalist in its category, and in October UMD CED Public Engagement Coordinator Sandi Larson and UMD CED Director Elaine Hansen traveled to the UEDA Annual Summit in Pittsburg.
Here, they gave a presentation about UMD Teen Enterprise to more than 200 university administrators, faculty, and economic development professionals. Summit attendees then voted for the best initiative in each category.
Though UMD CED did not bring home a trophy, it was an honor to just be recognized for such an esteemed award.
"This year, UEDA received more nominations than any previous year, so to be selected as a finalist and receive national recognition by our peers in economic development for our program is an honor," said Larson, who led the development of UMD Teen Enterprise.