by: Brandon Nguyen, Program Manager, Science and Business Program
The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Science and Business (SCBUS) program partnered with Thomas A. Blakelock High School's I-STEM program for the 2024-2025 academic year to provide grade 10 students with a unique opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial projects that addressed global challenges, blending scientific inquiry with business acumen.
Program kickoff
The initiative kicked off on September 20, 2024, when 105 high school students visited the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Faculty of Science. The day was filled with insightful presentations on entrepreneurship, comprehensive campus tours and dynamic brainstorming sessions. These activities introduced the core concepts behind their upcoming projects and set the foundation for collaboration and innovation. Students began to shape their ideas that they would be develop over the following months.
Project development
 Throughout the Fall and Winter semesters, the students worked diligently on one of four hands-on project topics aimed at tackling pressing global issues. The I-STEM program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning allowed students to integrate principles from science, technology, engineering and mathematics with entrepreneurial thinking. This approach not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also fostered creativity and innovation.
Final presentations
Hosted by the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), the capstone event on April 9th, 2025, provided a dynamic and professional environment where I-STEM students pitched their innovative solutions to an engaged panel of SAF students from various accounting programs (AFM, CFM, SFM, and Biotech/CPA). The I-STEM teams showcased comprehensive business plans, demonstrated working prototypes and confidently communicated their ideas – highlighting both their technical creativity and strategic thinking.Â
SAF students brought a valuable dimension to the experience, emphasizing the critical role of financial literacy, risk analysis and entrepreneurial strategy in bringing ideas to life. The feedback offered by SAF students reflected real-world business considerations – such as feasibility, budgeting, scalability and market potential. Â
A model for future innovation
This collaboration between Thomas A. Blakelock High School and the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ represents a powerful model for experiential, interdisciplinary education. By connecting secondary students with post-secondary mentors and resources, the program empowers participants to develop tangible, impactful solutions while gaining confidence in their abilities to lead and innovate. The final presentations not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also marked the beginning of their journey as future changemakers and innovators.Â