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Strickland shared personal stories, business successes, and life skills, teaching students to be self-reliant and successful in the business world. “You can be great!” Strickland posed questions to the future leaders, asking, “How do you plan on walking through life? What kind of business do you want to be in? You can make a living in any kind of work or in the trade industry, such as welding.”
The four-year Entrepreneurship Program was developed to prepare Gwinnett County high school students for a career as an entrepreneur during high school or after the completion of their high school education. Community partnerships drive the development of real-world ideas and businesses through active mentorship and project-based learning.
Strickland discussed educational tips to include learning something new, understanding discipline by taking a martial arts class and taking leadership and business classes. “Currently, I’m reading, Giving It All Away…And Getting It All Back Again by David Green, an American businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Hobby Lobby, who started the idea for his business by making miniature picture frames in his garage.”
“We use giving back as a business strategy,” pointed out Carla Youmans, Entrepreneurship Academy Lead, asking the students to tell Mr. Strickland about the book they are currently reading for class titled, Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS.
The entrepreneurship center, housed in a 16,200 square foot area, provides students with access to six maker spaces – Laser Burner, Dye Sublimation, Video and Audio Editing, Sign Making, Embroidery and Sewing, and 3-D Printing giving the future entrepreneurs opportunities to explore and develop their business aspirations.
“You can be anything you want to be,” concluded Strickland.
Students take notes while Clyde Strickland provides them with educational business tips.
Fast Facts about Discovery High School
• School Principal, Dr. Gene Taylor
• Opened in August, 2015
• Innovative programs include: an entrepreneurship center, an academy model, and serves as the home for two Junior Achievement of Georgia programs for middle school students (JA BizTown and JA Finance Park).
• Nearly 100 instructional areas, with room to grow
• In addition to traditional classrooms, the school has seven computer labs, five business labs, three music rooms, two art rooms, and an entrepreneurship center.
• An academy model allows students to explore interests and provides preparation for college and careers. The academies offered at Discovery include: Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts and Communication, Health and Human Services, and STEM.
• School Colors: Navy, Lime Green, and Silver
• School Mascot: Titans
For more information about Discovery High School, visit: www.discoveryhighschool.net.
