What do we want for our kids?

What do we want for our kids?

We want them to be successful.  We want them to be happy.  We want them stand-out for who they are and what they can do.  

EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy is one option for your student at TOHS.  How is EThOS different?

Students are in three classes together ... English, History and an EThOS elective class (Entrepreneurship 10th, Marketing 11th and Virtual Enterprise 12th).  Being together in classes makes for a closeness among the students.  They become a family and this truly becomes evident as they look out for one another.  There is a comfort level within any family and students feel this and are comfortable expressing ideas, dreams and thoughts. 

EThOS students are exposed to opportunities, field trips and real-world learning.  Recent examples are: a guest speaker who designed a new, comfortable, adjustment-free athletic cup; a field trip to Finance Park where students put into practice money management choices; and proper protocol at a business dinner including figuring out the tip on the check.

Everyday Students

EThOS Seniors - Class of 2012 (not all pictured)

As the EThOS seniors stood with certificate in hand, shiny medallions around their necks, I couldn't help but feel their eagerness as they voiced their destinations and goals.  These are a group of young men and women, fully capable of taking on the hurdles before them.  EThOS is about real-world experience and I have no doubt that they are ready and perhaps, more seasoned, to cut through the chaffe that lies ahead.  EThOS is a group of College Prep level students who should not be forgotten.  Are they smart? Yes! Will they go on to be successful and happy? Yes again! Each of the EThOS teachers and Coordinator had a hand in molding these seniors.  We are proud of each one of them.  Congratulations EThOS Seniors!

Do It Yourself ... Really

Our EThOS seniors recently competed in a Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair for their virtual business.  Each team (school) was expected to set-up their trade fair booth.  As the teams rushed onto the convention floor, I observed teachers drilling boards together, unfolding tables, etc., and essentially doing what the students should have been doing.  What did our EThOS teacher do?  He stood back and observed.  Did he offer to help his students?  No.  He wanted the students to gain "real-world" experience.  He wanted them to "do it yourself."  And they did.  They learned by doing ... on their own.

A better learning experience ... EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy.

Impact

Just this week, a senior in our Health Science Majors program, stopped by to tell of his experience observing a surgery.  His bright smile and enthusiasm told the story as he eagerly pulled out his phone to show us the photo of the surgical team dressed in scrubs.  He said he was contemplating crafting the perfect thank you email to the surgeon and his team.  The impetus to this brief yet powerful experience was the job shadow requirement of our Majors program (and EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy).  Our programs do make an impact on each student.  Have your student be IMPACTed by our programs.   

2011 Graduates

What a pleasure to see our students seated in the beginning rows at the graduation ceremony.  The EThOS Entrepreneurs each wore their yellow ribbon with medallion and the Majors graduates wore their black cords.  They earned that privilege by completing the "requirements" (read opportunities) of our programs...a job shadow, an internship, attendance at one of the conferences ("Connecting to Success" or "Money and Me"), etc.  Do our students know what they will pursue after high school?  Perhaps.  Do they have a little more direction?  We hope so.  At a minimum, they are exposed to interesting field trips, insightful speakers, projects, and the latest in technology, plus they are reminded that they can design their own future.  

Real World Experience

Recently, our EThOS students visited Junior Achievement's Finance Park.  This was a "hands on" simulation with each student assigned a unique "life situation" card to identify their adult persona - marital status, number of children (if any), education, employment and income.  Students use bank services, purchase housing, transportation, furnishings, food, health care and other expenses, make investment decisions and work to create and balance their personal budgets.  By far, this is a learning experience for them !  Here  are a few comments we heard the students saying:

• "I learned I will have bills to pay. " 
• "I didn't realize how expensive the insurance will be if I get a Ferrari!"
• "In my real-world scenario, I was married with four children and my friend didn't have any. His bills were a lot lower."

EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy is not for every student, but we can tell you, EVERY student would benefit from these wonderful opportunities.  Consider EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy for your student.  Have questions and just aren't sure?  Give us a call.  We would be happy to speak with you!

"I wish I had a program like this when I was in High School"

We hear this comment over and over again from parents and business partners who have been guest speakers.  So what is it we do to help students in our programs clarify their goals and aspirations?  We provide them opportunities to see first hand what area companies, businesses and jobs are like.  

We have taken our students to Haas Automation, Los Robles Hospital, General Dynamics and Teradyne; just to name a few. 
Our students complete a 30-hr internship, attend conferences and complete projects. The majority of our National Merit semifinalists are in our programs.  


Applications to both our programs are available on our website or here (see below).  

EThOS application
Majors application

Please feel free to contact us if we can answer any questions you might have.  We are here to help you and your student.