The Brook T. Smith Launchpad at Clemson University will welcome 100 high school students from across South Carolina July 20-24 for its High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, a weeklong program designed to help the state’s next generation of innovators develop entrepreneurial skills and turn ideas into action.
The camp will bring together rising juniors and seniors representing 45 high schools across 15 South Carolina counties. Nearly 60% of participants qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the program’s commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurship education and opportunity.
Founded through the support of Clemson alumnus Dr. John W. “Rick” Richards Jr. ‘72, the camp was created to inspire and professionally equip South Carolina’s future business and community leaders. Richards and the Launchpad’s founding director, John Hannon, envisioned the program as an entrepreneurial counterpart to the state’s longstanding Boys State and Girls State leadership programs, giving students the mindset, skills and mentorship to pursue innovative ideas and create meaningful impact.
Throughout the week, campers will participate in hands-on workshops, hear from accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders, and connect with mentors while exploring the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Featured speakers include Richards, founder and CEO of Impact Consulting, LLC, and Jim Baker, CEO of Sumus Development Group, entrepreneur, investor and author. Together, they will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys and encourage students to think boldly about solving real-world challenges.
The camp will conclude with a business pitch competition, where students will present their ideas before a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders, applying what they’ve learned throughout the week.
