Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Showcases Sidney High School Students’ Business Skills

In an impressive demonstration of ingenuity and business expertise, fourteen students from Sidney High School displayed their entrepreneurial abilities in the inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The culminating event of the competition occurred on Friday, December 8, and was met with great enthusiasm and pride.

Ashley Fehringer, the business instructor at Sidney High School, expressed her admiration for the students, emphasizing that their accomplishments surpassed those of many adults. “I was filled with a range of emotions today. There was nervousness for the students and an overall sense of excitement; now, I am simply proud. This has been a significant project and adventure for the students, and witnessing it all come together fills me with pride for their efforts,” remarked Fehringer following the awards ceremony.

The students received specialized business training as part of the curriculum provided by Cheyenne County E3, in collaboration with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership. Cory Keen, a member of E3 representing Nelnet, shared his experience as a judge of the competition, noting the dynamic atmosphere and exceptional presentation skills displayed by the students. “The atmosphere was energizing. I had the privilege of observing the students present their ideas to the judges, and each one of them performed exceptionally well in their presentations,” stated Keen.

The students were challenged to develop start-up business ideas and compete for prizes that included cash rewards and tablet computers. The competition unfolded in three distinct phases. Firstly, students developed comprehensive business plans, accounting for 33% of the overall score. Secondly, they delivered concise three-minute pitches to a panel of esteemed judges, including representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, University of Nebraska – Kearney, and successful business owners and leaders from across the state. The judges’ evaluations constituted the second third of the overall score. Finally, the students participated in a trade show, where they presented and promoted their businesses, with the trade show judging determining the final third of the score.

The rewards for the top-performing students were substantial, with prizes including $1,000, $750, and $500 scholarships to WNCC, a $500 Community Choice Award, and a $500 scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The entire competition served as a testament to the creativity and talent of the young entrepreneurs at Sidney High School, reaffirming the role of educational institutions in nurturing the creativity and business skills of the youth. As this year’s challenge draws to a close, the impact of the experience will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future business leaders of Sidney and beyond.