Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in Midland
In a forward-thinking collaboration, the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) and the ROPE Youth organization have come together to spark innovation and entrepreneurial ambition among local students in Midland, Texas. Through the launch of the Student Business Challenge, this unique partnership aims to develop real-world business acumen, encourage personal growth, and prepare young minds for future career success.
The initiative is more than a competition—it’s a dynamic learning experience designed for high school students. Participants will be guided through the creation, planning, and execution of their own business ideas, offering them hands-on opportunities rarely seen at the high school level.
What is the UTPB and ROPE Youth Student Business Challenge?
The Student Business Challenge is the result of a collaboration between UTPB College of Business and ROPE Youth (Reaching Our Potential Everyday), a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth through character-building programs.
This multi-phase initiative invites high school students from across Midland to:
- Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines their concept, market strategy, and operational costs.
- Participate in workshops and seminars run by UTPB faculty and local business leaders.
- Pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in a setting similar to ABC’s Shark Tank.
Unlike typical classroom projects, this program fuses mentorship, creativity, real-world business education, and competition into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development.
Program Structure and Timeline
The Student Business Challenge is structured to run over several weeks, progressively building upon the skillsets and insights needed to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. The program includes key phases:
Phase 1: Ideation and Education
In this stage, participants brainstorm their business ideas while attending educational seminars hosted by UTPB business professors and Midland business professionals. Students learn core business principles from areas including:
- Marketing and branding fundamentals
- Financial literacy and budgeting for startups
- Customer discovery and competitive analysis
This foundational knowledge empowers students to move forward with confidence, giving them a toolkit typically reserved for college-level business programs.
Phase 2: Business Development and Application
After acquiring foundational knowledge, students put theory into practice by developing their business model canvases and creating precise financial plans. UTPB professors and ROPE Youth mentors offer critical feedback and guidance during this stage, helping participants fine-tune their strategies.
Workshops include:
- Business Plan Development Labs – Individual and group sessions where students work through viable budgeting, execution, and scalability strategies.
- Presentation and Public Speaking Tips – Students prepare to pitch in front of judges by mastering the art of elevator speeches and persuasive storytelling.
Phase 3: The Final Pitch
Modeled after professional business pitch competitions, the final phase puts students center stage. Each participant or team presents their business idea in front of a panel of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators. The judges evaluate presentations based on:
- The originality of the idea
- Viability and scalability of the business model
- Clarity and confidence of the pitch
Winners not only receive recognition but are potentially eligible for support to bring their business ideas to life—including resources, mentorship, and seed funding possibilities.
The Vision Behind the Challenge
The driving vision behind this collaborative challenge is to plant seeds of innovation and resilience in Midland’s youth. According to ROPE Youth Executive Director Syreeta Moore, the program is about more than just teaching business—it’s about teaching students that they have a voice, a future, and the power to build their own path to success.
“We want our students to understand the economic power that lies within their ideas and their community,” Moore said during the event’s kickoff. “When young people feel empowered to take initiative, that forward motion impacts generations.”
UTPB officials echoed that sentiment. Dean of the College of Business Steve Beach noted that the program aligns with real-world business engagement goals, encouraging students to think beyond the classroom setting.
Why Programs Like This Are Crucial
In an increasingly digital and entrepreneurial age, experiential learning programs like the Student Business Challenge provide vital life skills. Beyond learning how to run a business, students develop:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Collaboration and leadership skills
- Resilience, creativity, and adaptability
While traditional curricula are still crucial, these modern, challenge-based formats give students the freedom to experiment, fail, improve—and most importantly—grow into creators and leaders.
Community Support and Long-Term Impact
This initiative has also drawn strong local support. Businesses in Midland recognize the challenge’s potential to impact not only students but also the broader economy. Local sponsors and entrepreneurs have contributed time, funds, and feedback to help the program flourish.
Moreover, programs like this are a testament to Midland’s commitment to fostering education and innovation. The hope is that some of these student-created businesses could evolve into long-term economic contributors in the Permian Basin, helping to diversify the region’s economy.
Parents, Educators, and Students: Why You Should Get Involved
For families and schools looking to offer their students an edge in both college applications and career readiness, the UTPB and ROPE Youth Student Business Challenge represents a golden opportunity.
Here’s why participation matters:
- Real-world exposure: Students network with business leaders and receive mentorship that stretches beyond theoretical study.
- Confidence building: Standing in front of a panel to pitch an idea teaches students to embrace fear and communicate effectively.
- College readiness: The critical thinking and planning aspects of this challenge develop skills that colleges look for in applicants.
Parents are encouraged to motivate their children to participate, and educators are working closely with the program to integrate the challenge into broader STEM and economic curriculums.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Other Communities
The success and community involvement tied to the UTPB and ROPE Youth Student Business Challenge illustrate how academic institutions and nonprofits can serve as catalysts for youth empowerment. As more schools and universities explore innovative teaching models, this challenge stands out as a potential blueprint.
Future plans include expanding the challenge to allow participation from surrounding counties, further increasing entrepreneurial exposure and opportunities for creative development among youth in West Texas.
Final Thoughts: Igniting a Spark for Lifelong Success
At its core, the Student Business Challenge is far more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Midland’s future leaders. With guidance from UTPB faculty and ROPE Youth mentors, students are learning that creativity paired with strategy can transform ideas into tangible success.
As the inaugural Student Business Challenge continues to unfold, it shines as a bright example of how collaborative efforts between education and community organizations can create meaningful, lasting impact—both for students and for the economic future of the Permian Basin.
Expect to see some of these young entrepreneurs making waves—not only in local boardrooms—but perhaps even on national stages in the years to come.
