Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in West Texas
In an exciting initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and instilling a mindset of innovation among teens, the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) has partnered with Rope Youth to launch a groundbreaking Student Business Challenge Program. This forward-thinking collaboration officially kicked off in Midland and is set to become a cornerstone for regional youth empowerment and economic development.
The program seeks to equip high school students with the skills and resources they need to explore entrepreneurship, launch their own business ideas, and build real-world experience. It reflects a broader commitment to promoting education, creativity, and economic opportunity in the Permian Basin.
What is the Student Business Challenge Program?
At its core, the Student Business Challenge Program is more than just a typical camp or workshop. It is an immersive, season-long learning opportunity with a startup accelerator-style structure. High school students will move through various stages of developing a business—from ideation to pitching in front of investors.
Key Features of the Program:
- Hands-on Business Development: Students are taught practical business development skills such as product-market fit, value proposition, budgeting, and branding.
- Mentorship from Experts: Local entrepreneurs, university professors, and industry leaders provide guidance and coaching.
- Pitch Competition: Participants will present their final business ideas to a panel of judges in a “Shark Tank” style event.
- Real-World Networking: Students have opportunities to connect with business professionals and potential investors.
- Scholarship Opportunities and Prizes: Finalists may receive funding, scholarships, or startup support to bring their ideas to life.
UTPB’s backing ensures that students have access to state-of-the-art mentorship and resources while Rope Youth brings in its unique grassroots approach of community engagement and youth development.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley expressed her enthusiasm for the program, noting that it aligns with the university’s mission of building stronger connections between academia and the community. “This is about creating opportunities so that our kids can see themselves in successful futures,” Woodley stated.
Rope Youth, a Midland-based nonprofit aimed at empowering teenagers through leadership training and mentorship, brings a dynamic and community-focused energy to the program. According to Rope Youth founder Ragland Douthit, “We want young people to understand that they can impact the economy and their futures through entrepreneurship.”
Together, these organizations bridge gaps in education, inspire civic leadership, and build a support system for long-term economic growth. The collaboration illustrates how universities and nonprofits can partner effectively to address local needs.
Real Impact: Creating CEOs at the High School Level
Many students in the Midland-Odessa area struggle to find meaningful extracurricular or career-oriented experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school. The Student Business Challenge aims to change that by empowering teens with the tools and confidence of future CEOs.
Rather than waiting until college or adulthood to begin thinking about career paths, participants will:
- Develop business strategies from scratch
- Understand the economics of running a company
- Learn soft skills like leadership, resilience, and teamwork
- Discover whether entrepreneurship is a viable career option for them
As teens explore these avenues, they become mini-innovators who are not only imagining but creating real changes in their communities.
Voices from the Community
The launch event for the Student Business Challenge garnered strong attendance from community leaders, families, and educators. For many in the room, the importance of showing teens various paths to success was front and center.
Midland ISD officials praised the initiative for filling a notable gap in curriculum-based entrepreneurship. They emphasized how it complements existing educational opportunities while bringing purposeful life experience into the classroom.
A parent attending the kickoff expressed excitement: “This is what our kids have been needing—not just theory, but practical skills that allow them to dream big and do big,” she said.
Why This Program Matters for West Texas
Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth and job creation, especially in areas like the Permian Basin, which holds a unique blend of rural charm and industrial strength. Programs like this present an opportunity to invest in the future of the region by nurturing its youngest innovators.
Here’s why this initiative is significant:
- Local Talent Retention: By empowering youth to build businesses in their hometown, the program helps reduce the brain-drain effect of young people leaving for larger urban centers.
- Diversifying the Economy: Encouraging entrepreneurship outside of traditional oil and gas means more economic resilience for the region.
- Civic Engagement: Young people become more invested in their communities when they feel they can make an impact.
The program’s design emphasizes sustainability and impact, not just short-term excitement. With annual expansions planned and hopes to reach more schools, this initiative holds the potential to reshape how West Texas nurtures innovation.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Long-Term Vision
The pilot of the Student Business Challenge will be closely monitored to measure its impact and refine its curriculum. Both UTPB and Rope Youth have indicated plans to potentially expand the program to other districts or offer different thematic challenges in future iterations.
Future possibilities include:
- New business challenge themes such as tech, health, and environmental entrepreneurship
- Educational credit for participation
- Annual regional startup expos featuring student-run ventures
The long-term vision is to cultivate a generation of young leaders who are not only college-ready but also business-savvy, with a clear understanding of how to turn ideas into viable ventures.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, business leader, or student, there are several ways to support or participate in the Student Business Challenge:
- Mentorship: Business professionals and entrepreneurs are invited to mentor students throughout the program.
- Sponsorship: Organizations can sponsor prizes, scholarships, or events to help grow the program.
- Student Enrollment: High school students in the Midland region can contact their schools or visit Rope Youth’s website for application details.
Being a part of this program means helping to shape the next generation of West Texas leaders.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between UTPB and Rope Youth is not just another educational program—it’s a long-overdue step toward equipping West Texas teens with the mindset, skills, and resources they need to own their futures. It celebrates the intersection of education, community, and entrepreneurship, and creates a platform for untapped talent to shine.
As we navigate ever-changing economic landscapes, programs like the Student Business Challenge provide a beacon of hope—showing that when communities invest in their youth, extraordinary things can happen. Whether we meet the future leaders of tomorrow in boardrooms or on their own startup websites, one thing is certain: with the right support, they will lead the way.
