Last month, I shared with you how our students are studying abroad, engaging in internships and taking classes as they Start Something this summer. This may lead you to think summertime in Howard L. Hawks Hall is quiet, but there is definitely still a buzz of energy throughout the building. Faculty are teaching and pursuing their research. Staff are continuing to advance our college and our academic advisors have been welcoming, advising and providing tours to incoming freshmen and their families at New Student Enrollment. We’ve also seen the impact of programs designed for high school students exploring entrepreneurship, accounting and the world of business.
 
Throughout June, 22 high school students in Lincoln have been interning with the Clifton Strengths Institute as a part of the Future Builders program. The 22 students selected for the program, a collaboration between Gallup, the Clifton Strengths Institute, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and local businesses, were chosen based on the results of the Gallup Builders Profile 10 assessment taken by over 3,200 students earlier this year. The students experienced the journey of starting up their own T-shirt business. Each student has a different role in the business, from designing the shirts, managing inventory, marketing them and selling the shirts to customers. The students officially launched their business at an event at the College of Business that included a runway show of their t-shirt designs. The four t-shirt designs explore themes of positivity, equality, the environment and “power the future,” which represent different social causes the students felt were important to the community. Read more about the young entrepreneurs’ experiences and if you want to purchase a t-shirt, there are very limited quantities available for purchase at the institute in HLH 115.
 
The 2018 DREAMBIG Academy, a program that provides diverse, rising seniors the ability to explore the variety of opportunities they could have with a career in business, takes place July 22-26 right here at the College of Business. We are excited to welcome high school seniors from across Nebraska to this invaluable opportunity. This week-long session consists of networking events, leadership development and learning how to navigate the business world. Participants live in a university residence hall and have the opportunity to meet new friends and potential mentors from the local business community. Current College of Business students serve as mentors for DREAMBIG participants to help them step out of their comfort zone and be there for them every step of the way. All participants in the program qualify for the Nebraska Emerging Leaders Scholarship of $2,000 if they complete the program and meet academic requirements their senior year in high school.
 
The School of Accountancy also hosted their annual Accounting Summit, May 30-June 1. The summit brings high school students from six Nebraskan cities and even one from Kansas to Hawks Hall for three days to learn about future careers in accounting. Ten high school students worked on different accounting projects while learning about the various career paths they could go with an accounting degree. They went on industry visits and spoke to professionals from several companies who helped answer questions and dispel myths about careers in the accounting field.
 
These programs exemplify how we are working to cultivate relationships with our Nebraska community, especially high school students looking to Start Something. I hope you will plan to join us in celebrating the start of the academic year at our sixth annual Back to School Bash on Friday, August 17, 2-4 p.m.  Published: July 9, 2018