Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program (SUEP) at Virginia Military Institute

The Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program (SUEP) at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a five-week summer course designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among cadets of all academic disciplines. The program is tuition-free, thanks to the generous support of the Jackson-Hope Fund, and provides cadets with room and board during the program.

Course Components

SUEP participants engage in a variety of learning experiences, including:

– Field trips to start-up companies and incubators
– Guest lectures from alumni and business leaders
– Hands-on workshops and simulations
– Team-based projects that culminate in a final business pitch

Guest Lecturer Perspective

Katie Overfield-Zook, an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF), has been a guest lecturer in the SUEP program. She enjoys working with the cadets, who she describes as “enthusiastic and dedicated.”

“I’m impressed by the cadets’ willingness to learn and their desire to make a difference in the world,” says Overfield-Zook. “They’re a great group to work with.”

Cadet Experience

Simon T. Bucknor ’25, a mechanical engineering major with an aerospace concentration, participated in the SUEP program in 2023. He says the program helped him develop his problem-solving skills and gave him a better understanding of the entrepreneurial process.

“SUEP was a great experience,” says Bucknor. “I learned a lot about business and entrepreneurship, and I made some great connections with other cadets and business leaders.”

Course Impact

The SUEP program has a significant impact on the cadets who participate. The program helps them develop an entrepreneurial mindset, expand their perspectives, and gain valuable skills that will benefit them in their careers.

“SUEP is a great opportunity for cadets to learn about entrepreneurship and to develop the skills they need to be successful in the business world,” says Overfield-Zook. “I highly recommend the program to any cadet who is interested in starting their own business or working in the field of entrepreneurship.”

Program Impact

The Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program has a profound impact on cadets, fostering the development of entrepreneurial thinking and expanding their perspectives. The program provides a unique platform for cadets to engage with successful entrepreneurs, learn from industry experts, and apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges. Through these experiences, cadets gain invaluable insights and skills that empower them to become future leaders and innovators.

Expansion of Perspectives

The SUEP exposes cadets to a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures, from technology start-ups to social impact enterprises. By interacting with entrepreneurs from various backgrounds and industries, cadets gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with starting and growing a business. This exposure broadens their horizons, cultivates a mindset of innovation, and prepares them to navigate the complexities of the business world.

Development of Entrepreneurial Thinking

Beyond expanding their perspectives, the SUEP actively fosters the development of entrepreneurial thinking among cadets. The program’s curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Cadets learn to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and evaluate business ideas with a discerning eye. They develop a deep understanding of market dynamics, financial planning, and marketing strategies, equipping them with the tools and mindset necessary for entrepreneurial success.

Conclusion

The Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program at Virginia Military Institute is a transformative experience that empowers cadets with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning, expert mentorship, and entrepreneurial thinking prepares cadets to become future leaders and innovators, ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. Through the Jackson-Hope Fund’s generous support, VMI continues to provide exceptional opportunities for cadets to develop their entrepreneurial potential and contribute to the economic and social progress of our society.