Fargo, N.D. — Students in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead high schools will have an opportunity to learn hands-on about entrepreneurship this summer thanks to the NDSU Research & Technology Park.

Students in grades 11 and 12 (school year 2011-12) who demonstrate an aptitude in math, science and technology and have an interest in entrepreneurship can apply to attend the five-day, technology-focused Entrepreneurship Academy at NDSU June 12-17.

NDSU Research & Technology Park staff will lead the academy with critical assistance from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Students will work in teams with a simple business case to determine the best way for the business to compete, identify capital needs to start the business and devise a plan for managing the business successfully.

Participants will be provided with business cases, two days of instruction and necessary materials for successful completion of the program. On the final day, teams will give a 15-minute "investor pitch" to a panel of judges in a business plan competition setting. The top two teams with the most solid business strategy and potential for success will be awarded tuition vouchers to NDSU.

Primary sponsors for the academy include the South East Educational Cooperative and Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead school districts. Many local businesses contributed to the effort to interest high school students in business and entrepreneurship in the community.

The academy has a $50 registration fee. If a student's family is unable to pay, waivers for the fee are available.

For more information about the Entrepreneurship Academy, contact Paul Tefft at 701-499-3628 or paul@ndsuresearchpark.comor Jen Katke at 701-499-3600 or jennifer@ndsuresearchpark.com.