Upper Learning Students Solve Real World Problems in Entrepreneurial Class

By Assistant Head of School for Academics David Long

Creativity, collaboration, outside of the box thinking, and innovation are some of the main learning objectives behind Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White’s and Assistant Head of School for Academics David Long’s Upper Learning Entrepreneurial Problem Solving class. This unique, experiential-based class provides students with authentic fieldwork that will develop creative problem-solving skills necessary for life. 

Collaborating with their peers in project teams, the students work to solve business or community problems presented by local CEOs, government officials, small business owners, and community leaders. Recently, the students worked with George McKerrow Jr., a partner with Ted’s Montana Grill, to create a more effective model for to-go orders while researching delivery methods other than DoorDash. Last week, students partnered with Craig Dobrin and Dani Freedman of Butler Tire to help them curb intellectual property theft and worker retention. Creative solutions ranged from using non-fungible tokens for Butler Tire’s pictures to creating a buffalo-themed car for Ted’s Montana Grill delivery drivers!  

In addition, students learn about the building blocks of successful entrepreneurial ventures using a strategic management template known as the Business Model Canvas. This tool is used to help students create their own business plan, using the lean startup model to pitch to a group of “investors” at the end of the semester. Many of the students came to the class with their own ideas in mind and have been hard at work developing their business model. 

When asked what she appreciated the most about the class, Ashlyn Bobb Collins ‘21 shared she enjoyed working with “real world people with real world problems to create real world solutions.” The EPS class is just one of our course offerings that prepares students for life beyond Galloway!