Academics
Academy Scholars
What it Means to Be an Academy Scholar
The goal of Academy Scholars is to empower students to think big, create, problem-solve, adapt, and achieve — and to embrace that those skills form an ongoing process that requires grit and resilience.
This program is our hands-on entrepreneurship course, allowing students to develop their skills beyond the traditional classroom. Students meet every other day in the classroom following a curriculum that allows them to learn how to and gives them the resources to build successful businesses, which include selling and providing real products and services and virtual businesses.
We are affiliated with two international programs: Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) and Virtual Enterprises International. Both of which provide a framework for coursework, opportunities to compete and to network with other students locally and internationally.
Most importantly, our program gives students a safe space to develop the creativity, leadership, problem-solving and communication skills that are so vital to building an interesting, high-impact life and career.
All Academy Scholars students receive training in the Creative Problem Solving process, which uses strategic brainstorming to develop innovative ideas, and they also have the opportunity to opt into a leadership certification program.
Work with the best in the world on a weekly basis
The week-to-week life of a Mount St. Mary student entrepreneur involves consistently developing and refining products and services, developing and expanding targeted marketing efforts, focusing on cash flow and expenses, and making sure that all members of a business are engaged, challenged and heard. They also meet with guest speakers and work with business mentors, both in person and virtually, who have reached the highest levels of their field.
Our Academy Scholars’ contacts have included major media executives and corporate CEOs, former members of Congress, social entrepreneurs, a leader in 9/11 recovery efforts, start-up experts, and business consultants.
Ready to roll up your sleeves?
While this program is designed to attract those with an entrepreneurial spirit – we welcome students who are self-motivated and ready to make a big impact. We work with the students each year to come up with business ideas that meet them in the moment. From sports management, concert & event promotion, retail, fashion, sustainability, and so much more — MSM students have the opportunity to create real businesses around their passions. Building their resume and giving them the confidence, knowledge and resources that they need to succeed post graduation.
Contact us to learn more about becoming an Academy Scholar today!
Program FAQs
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Can students switch which business they’re involved in?
Yes, students are encouraged to put their time and energy behind businesses that they’re excited about. As their interests change, so can their involvement in different opportunities in the program. -
Do students have to apply to participate?
This is an elective course that students can be recommended to participate in. Freshmen can be invited to participate in this program by letting our admissions department know they are interested as part of the application process. Participation in this program is limited to appropriate class size constraints. -
How are trips funded?
Travel expenses are ultimately the student’s responsibility to pay their way. However, many businesses run fundraisers to support their travel and business expenses. Travel is always optional. -
Is this a four-year program?
While many of our students participate in the program for many years, there is no expectation that students remain in the program from year to year. You do not need to start as a freshman to participate in this course. -
Is this program extra curricular?
No. This class meets every other day during the school day. It is a class that is taken for a pass/fail credit. There are activities that occasionally happen outside of the classroom/school day, including opportunities to travel across WNY and beyond.
Still have questions? Send us an email.
What business are you in?
Academy Scholar businesses have products locally, regionally and nationally. They have participated in business workshops across the United States and in Canada, Europe and Asia. They have also competed successfully both nationally and internationally, winning U.S. and global honors for their work as young entrepreneurs. Collectively, they have networked with fellow teen and adult entrepreneurs, corporate and nonprofit executives, academics, elected officials, and international leaders.
Mount St. Mary Academy
Mount St. Mary Academy, founded by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, is a Catholic, private, college preparatory school for young women. Within a nurturing and academically challenging and inclusive environment, the Academy strives to develop the whole person’s gifts and potential. Guided by our Catholic tradition, and rooted in Gospel values, we empower scholars to be leaders dedicated to lifelong learning, moral integrity, social justice, and service to and inclusion of others.