Greenwich YMCA Announces Summer Course for Middle Schoolers: An Intro to Entrepreneurship

The Greenwich YMCA is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new summer course designed to inspire and empower middle school children. This innovative program, titled, “Ideas to Execution: Intro to Entrepreneurship” will be taught by two local teenage entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable success at a young age.

Alejandro Rodriguez
George Weiksner

The course aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset among young minds, encouraging them to explore their potential and pursue their dreams. It will provide a unique opportunity for middle school kids to learn directly from successful entrepreneurs within their own community, gaining invaluable insights into the world of business and innovation.

“Our mission at the Greenwich YMCA has always been to nurture the potential of every child and teen in our community,” said Heather Brown, Senior Director of Youth & Family Engagement. “With Ideas to Execution, we are excited to create an environment where middle school children can explore their entrepreneurial spirit and develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”

The two instructors, George Weiksner, 17, and Alejandro Rodriguez, 17, both local high school students and accomplished entrepreneurs, bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the program. George is the founder of Pocketful of Quarters, a cryptocurrency-gaming startup, while Alejandro has created his own landscaping company. Their real-world experiences and relatability will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the young participants.

“George and Alejandro are shining examples of what young individuals can achieve through determination, creativity, and a strong work ethic,” Brown added. “They will serve as excellent role models for the participants, sharing their personal stories, challenges, and successes to inspire and guide them on their own entrepreneurial journeys.”

The course will run for five weeks, from July 12 – August 9, and will be held every Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Greenwich YMCA. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including the entrepreneurial mindset, problem identification, idea formulation, costs and revenue, and creating effective pitches. The participants will also have the opportunity to create a business plan culminating in a pitch to a panel of local small business owners from Greenwich.

Enrollment for the course is now open to all middle school students in the Greenwich community. Limited spots are available (24 spots) to ensure personalized attention and interaction between the instructors and participants.

Interested parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible by contacting the Greenwich YMCA at (203)-869-1630 or by emailing George Weiksner at [email protected].

The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich, CT. Founded in 1916, the YMCA of Greenwich provides a safe and nurturing environment where children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about the YMCA of Greenwich visit: http://www.greenwichymca.org