A recent workshop offered Baltimore middle school students the chance to learn more about entrepreneurship in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields.
The “Entrepreneurship 101” program, held March 19 at Morgan State University’s School of Engineering, saw former Def Jam Records president and entrepreneur Kevin Liles speak to minority students about the importance of developing skills in entrepreneurship and engineering.
The program was part of Minority Male Makers, a partnership between Verizon and four HBCUs, including Morgan State, which aims to expose African-American and Hispanic males to STEM careers.
More than just a lecture, the event began with the young men learning how to tie a necktie and teaching them how to dress professionally. Program Mentor Alexander Sharma assisted participants in ironing shirts donated by Suit Dreams, a New York-based non-profit, and learning to put them on properly.
In another activity, the students formed five groups and each designed a model of a bus stop together. They were asked to practice their entrepreneur skills by trying to sell their product.
“It’s really good to be enthusiastic about what you’re doing and when you put a lot of thought into it, it shows,” said seventh-grader Didier Osias. “No matter how hard the work may seem I found that you can really have fun doing it.”
Liles described his pathway to success and the life-changing challenges he encountered, offering examples and tips to stay focused and succeed in entrepreneurship.
“I’m no better than anybody else—as a matter of fact, I feel like I haven’t done enough yet,” he said.
Liles offered encouraging words to not only the middle schoolers, but the directors and mentors as well.
“What I learned today is that if you provide a possibility and an opportunity for a young kid no matter what age, they’re going to show up and not only are they going to show up they’re going to show out,” he said.
He added that he believes in working hard and, though the road may be bumpy, if you keep your mind on the goal you want to achieve nothing can stand in your way.
“I appreciate all the ideas,” he said of the participants, “I appreciate them getting dressed on a Saturday morning to come and pitch an idea and I love the opportunities.”
Minority Male Makers will offer a summer program running June 27 through July 22, daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more on Minority Male Makers, click here.