Torah Academy High School Girls Go Survey Hunting for Entrepeneurs Class

By Gila Rapoport

Recently, our TA high-school class performed market research surveys for their Entrepreneurship class to get feedback on their business venture.

At Torah Academy High School, education isn't just about textbooks and tests—it's about preparing young women to thrive in an ever-changing world. This year, the spotlight is on the entrepreneurship class, where students are diving headfirst into the world of business innovation and leadership.

Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs and Career Choices

Led by community member Menahem Rapoport, a passionate education and serial entrepreneur with a knack for fostering creativity and critical thinking, the entrepreneurship class at Torah Academy is designed to inspire and educate. The curriculum goes beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on practical skills that empower students to turn their ideas into reality.

Mr. Rapoport’s goal with the entrepreneurship class at Torah Academy High School is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the essential components involved in running a successful business. His approach is not only to teach the theoretical aspects of entrepreneurship but to ignite a passion for the field and inspire students to explore it as a potential career path. By exposing them to the various facets of business operations, Mr. Rapoport hopes to equip his students with the tools they need to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.

Each week, the class dives deep into a different area critical to business success. The curriculum is designed to be both hands-on and engaging, with a focus on real-world applications. Topics such as digital marketing, financial analysis, market research, public speaking, content creation, and overall business strategy are all covered, giving students a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run a business from the ground up.

Creating Business Models

One of the core components of the class is developing robust business models. Students learn how to identify market needs, brainstorm innovative solutions, and structure their ideas into viable business plans. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, they gain insights into the complexities of entrepreneurship. Each week, students are assigned tasks that guide them through the various components of their business model. These assignments include developing a mission and vision statement, conducting a competitive and industry analysis, creating both a SWOT and SMART analysis, drafting financial projections along with profit and loss (PnL) statements, and performing market research to validate their business opportunities.

Market Research: Understanding Consumer Needs

Before launching any business, it’s crucial to understand the market and consumer behavior. Students in this class dive into market research, learning how to design surveys, analyze data, and interpret trends to better understand the needs and preferences of their target audiences. By engaging in hands-on research projects, students gain valuable insights into how businesses can create products or services that resonate with their customers.

The Mock Pitching Competition

The pinnacle of the entrepreneurship class is the mock pitching competition. Here, students put their ideas to the test in front of a panel of judges, simulating real-world pitching scenarios. This experience not only hones their presentation skills but also instills confidence in articulating their vision and value proposition.

Beyond business acumen, the entrepreneurship class fosters leadership qualities and a spirit of innovation among students. It encourages them to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and embrace the entrepreneurial mindset of resilience and adaptability.

Torah Academy High School's commitment to empowering young women extends beyond the classroom. By nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and skills, the school prepares students to navigate a dynamic economic landscape with creativity, integrity, and a passion for making a positive impact.

In the entrepreneurship class at Torah Academy High School, students aren't just learning about business—they're shaping their futures as leaders and innovators. Through hands-on learning experiences, collaborative projects, and real-world simulations like the mock pitching competition, these young women are equipped to thrive in the entrepreneurial journey ahead. Torah Academy is not just educating students; it's inspiring the next generation of change-makers in Jacksonville.