Where the next generation of community builders are fostered.
You don't need a business or an idea to apply
Applications Open for 2026/2027
Experiment. Embrace failure. Keep improving. Never settle.
Experiment. Embrace failure. Keep improving. Never settle.
Startup Moxie transforms the lives of high school students by encouraging entrepreneurial thought and offering the resources and support that truly innovative thinking requires.
With nine schools and 40 students participating, we bring together a diverse group of young adults to learn more about entrepreneurship—and themselves—through immersive experiences.
How might we?
Startup Moxie program participants ask the question “How might we…?” to encourage new approaches to everyday challenges. We help students put their ideas into action using the tools at hand, pivot their perspective when necessary, and continue to build on what they learn.
The Experience
Startup Moxie is a six-credit high school class and offers students the opportunity to achieve a Certificate of Entrepreneurship that is worth 18 dual college credits. Startup Moxie meets Monday through Friday at Innovation Park in South Bend.
Students will:
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Hear from community leaders about their business ventures, life experiences, and perspective on the South Bend-Elkhart region
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Be challenged to generate ideas–and refine them
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Tour behind the scenes of local businesses
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Learn how to de-risk ideas and launch their startups
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Pitch to investors
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Understand the value of creativity, courage, and confidence in business
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Build their professional network
Our Schools
