Big Brothers Big Sisters is crowdfunding $40K for its entrepreneurship program

Beyond School Walls, an entrepreneurship program offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, is livin’ on a crowdfunding prayer.

The program, which pairs 20 high school freshmen and sophomores at George Washington Carver High School with local adult entrepreneurs, was launched last fall with a year of full funding from Pottstown entrepreneur Scott Bentley, founder of tech company Videoray.

Mentors help the students flesh out their ideas, improve their skills and develop their business acumen.

But funding will run dry this spring, and the program is in need of funding — something to the tune of $40,000.

“The whole spirit of the program is about being innovative, efficient and effective,” Allen said. “We want to continue to support this program because it’s been so successful.”

So, in the spirit of Philly Tech Week, BBBS has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Classy.

Allen said Beyond School Walls focuses on preparing students to succeed in developing businesses in the education and health spaces. Ideally, Allen said the program will work best when mentors are working with freshmen through their graduating year of high school.

Plus, Allen said, the campaign is a great way to teach students the ins and outs of crowdfunding.