Summer Springboard

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO

COMBINE INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS FOR A TANGIBLE IMPACT ON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship @ Cal Poly SLO

  • Identify and evaluate opportunities in the food industry.
  • Analyze successful food startups through interactive activities and real-world case studies.
  • Craft compelling value propositions for real-world consumer needs.
  • Translate innovative ideas into market-ready business concepts.
  • Conduct market research and gather consumer insights to refine product ideas.
  • Present polished business ideas to a panel of industry professionals in a “Shark Tank”-style format.

Summer Springboard

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

About This Course

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at Cal Poly SLO offers high school students a two‑week immersive experience in creating real-world innovations for the food industry.

An immersive program that introduces students to the fundamentals of food industry entrepreneurship. Modeled after the popular TV show “Shark Tank”, this hands-on program encourages students to move beyond theoretical learning and develop real, marketable business ideas.

Over the course of two weeks, students will work in teams of 3-4 to develop innovative food product concepts, progressing through the full entrepreneurial process, from ideation to final pitch by building a professional portfolio with headshots and videos. The course concludes with students presenting their ideas to a panel of industry professionals, gaining invaluable feedback and the confidence to pursue their ventures.

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

Develop a persuasive elevator pitch, capturing their business concept in a concise and engaging way. Build a professional portfolio that includes a headshot and a recorded elevator pitch video to support future career endeavors.

Career Exploration

Students will visit the student-run Cal Poly Creamery and Dairy to see innovation in action, from farm to process to product.

RESOURCES

Course Infosheet

Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.

Program Catalog

Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.

Campus Page

Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.

“I was hesitant to come all the way from the other side of the country, but there has been absolutely no regret. I saw sights that I would not have seen without Summer Springboard and also made friends from all over California and beyond who have been amazing.”

– Jason K.| Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, bestselling Author, and University professor who brings more than two decades of expertise in marketing, innovation, and student success. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Economics and teaches at Cal Poly, where she is known for making complex ideas clear, practical, and engaging for young learners.

Dr. Schroeter is the creator of Petite Practice®, a simple framework that helps students build confidence and momentum through small, intentional steps. She also hosts the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast, ranked in the top 1 percent globally, where she shares evidence-based strategies for mindset, clarity, and achieving goals in a healthy, sustainable way.

Through her work with high school and college students, Dr. Schroeter has seen how much growth happens when teens learn to understand their strengths, set realistic goals, and follow a structured path toward their dreams. Her classes give students the tools to manage schoolwork, explore interests, improve focus, and develop life skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Previous students appreciate her balanced approach that blends academic expertise, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to helping young people step into their potential with confidence.

DR. CHRISTINE SCHROETER

“I really enjoyed the program! It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me good insight on college life. Coming here made me want to go to Cal Poly even more so I’m glad we got advice on getting in!”

– Chloe H. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dates & Tuition

2026 Dates
Session 1: July 5 – July 17, 2026
Session 2: July 19 – July 31, 2026

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition
 Residential Tuition: $5,398
 Commuter Tuition: $2,998
Course Supplement: $250

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: San Luis Obispo
 State: California
Campus: Cal Poly SLO

Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.