IUPUI Boss Camp

Partnering with Indianapolis Public Schools to foster future entrepreneurs

IUPUI BOSS Camp (Business Opportunities for Self Starters) teaches high school students to think like entrepreneurs, community advocates, and problem-solvers - with the confidence to try (and fail at) new things.

IUPUI BOSS is a partnership between the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement, IU Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, and the IU Herron School of Art + Design in Indianapolis. The five-day BOSS experience guides high school students on a journey where they learn to vision, design, and pitch a business idea for cash awards.

BOSS CAMP IN THE NEWS! Watch the WRTV interview about the 2023 IUPUI BOSS Camp.

Collaborating with campus and community for student learning

During BOSS Camp, BOSS students gain knowledge and confidence from IUPUI faculty, college student mentors, and local business experts and owners who help BOSS students envision, research, and design a future business.

Kelley faculty teach BOSS students about business foundations and types of businesses; product demand and pricing, advertising and promotion; management and personnel; and manufacturing, delivery, and logistics.

Herron faculty teach Design Thinking, and work hands-on with BOSS students in the Think It Make It makerspace using 3D printers, laser cutters, printers, and VR technology to create product prototypes and advertising materials for their businesses.
IUPUI students serve as mentors and are available to help BOSS students conduct business research, plan and complete assignments, and support their needs throughout the week.
Special speakers from the business community attend and offer practical advice about business ownership.
Business experts from banks and business resource centers attend to share important information to pursue their business ideas after BOSS Camp.

BOSS Model

The BOSS model was created by Tim Scales, director of the IU East Center for Entrepreneurship in the School of Business and Economics. BOSS not only teaches business principles and small business start-up; BOSS students gain confidence in their abilities by learning the power of their ideas. Throughout the week-long camp, BOSS students explore creative solutions to problems, improve organization and communication skills, take initiative and manage their time and resources, and work independently and in teams – all of which are fundamental for future success.

Location

BOSS Camp is held on the IUPUI campus, which gives BOSS students access to IUPUI technology and other resources, as well as opportunities to tour the campus, meet recruiters, and learn about college degree programs.

Thank you to our funders

IPS Foundation
Fifth Third Foundation
Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Indianapolis Foundation
Kelley School of Business Indianapolis
Herron School of Art + Design
IUPUI Office of Community Engagement

Compensation

BOSS Camp is a summer job and a personal investment of time for the high school students, and BOSS students are paid a weekly salary that they may use to invest in their first business, education, or other passions. They also can win cash awards for their business ideas at the Friday Pitch Contest.

Application

BOSS is free and open to students from all four IPS district high schools: George Washington, Crispus Attucks, Arsenal Tech, and Shortridge. Each 5-day BOSS Camp can accommodate up to 30 students. Interested students complete an application, which includes parent information for students under 18 years of age.

2023 IUPUI Boss Camp

Survey says

2021 BOSS students rated the curriculum and applicability to their future careers.

88%Rated the Overall Camp as Excellent or Good

94%Rated BOSS Camp as Excellent or Good when asked if it will be Useful to their Future Careers

94%Rated BOSS Camp as Excellent or Good when asked if it will be Applicable in School

94%Rated the Camp Content as Excellent or Good

Featured articles

IPS students make boss moves at IUPUI's BOSS Camp

By Amber Grigley, WRTV News, 6/12/2023

The thrill of creating your own business is striking the minds of our youth. After all, they are the entrepreneurs of the future. This week, 25 IPS students attended BOSS Camp at IUPUI. The week-long experience helps high school students learn how to start, design and pitch a business.

Indy high school students pitch business ideas

By Alex Brown, INside Indiana Business, June 12, 2023

The pitch contest came with a $100 cash prize for first place, followed by $75 for second and $50 for third. The 2023 winners are:

Interns and IUPUI student mentors from the Office of Community Engagement and the Kelley School of Business stop for a photo

*Left photo:* Tim Scales *Right photo:* In July 2019 Tim Scale works with a George Washington High School student during the BOSS Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of Victor Hill, Shadowbox Photography

IUPUI BOSS Camp inspires entrepreneurial high school students

The students from Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, George Washington, and Shortridge High Schools spent the time learning more about what it means to be a small business owner and how to plan and develop a business.

BOSS selected nation’s best in UEDA competition

The IUPUI BOSS Camp was selected the winner in the Talent Category of the 2020 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards of Excellence.

Watch video! Hear from two future entreprenuers about their experience in the 2021 IUPUI BOSS Camp.

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Interested?

The IUPUI BOSS Camp is open to students in the four IPS district schools: Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, George Washington, and Shortridge. Learn more through your school's Workbased Learning Coordinators.