The DASH Program

A 12-Week Design + Entrepreneurship Program for Teens.

✔ Build a real prototype

✔ Pitch it publicly

✔ Compete for funding and prizes

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

WHAT STUDENTS WALK AWAY WITH

We’re looking for students in Salida who are excited to get hands-on entrepreneurial and business experience.

✴ A real prototype of a product or service

✴ Public pitch experience

✴ Opportunity to win funding and prizes

✴ Mentor support throughout

✴ Confidence presenting and leading

How it Works

01/ Identify a real local challenge

02/ Design + prototype a solution

03/ Test and refine with feedback

04/ Pitch at The Big Pitch for funding and prizes

What to expect

  • Weekly or biweekly 45–60 minute mentor meetings

  • Feedback between sessions

  • Mentors attend The Big Pitch

FOR STUDENTS

Are you a motivated student ready to create, build and lead?

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

  • Develop a real business or solution to a community challenge using design thinking and entrepreneurship tools.

  • Mentorship, hands on experience, and the chance to pitch your idea for real feedback and potential funding at The Big Pitch.

  • Students participate in up to 90 minutes of weekly class time to develop and test a business idea, plus 45–60 minutes of one-on-one mentoring to refine their concept or address a community challenge. The program culminates in The Big Pitch, where students present a 5-minute investor-ready pitch to local business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members.

FOR PARENTS

Real World Skills. Confidence. A Future They Can Build Locally.

Junior Edison is designed to give students more than just knowledge, it gives them the confidence and capability to apply what they learn in meaningful ways.

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

Through mentorship, project based learning, and real world application, students develop:

✔ Critical thinking and problem solving skills

✔ Communication and presentation confidence

✔ Entrepreneurial mindset and initiative

✔ Collaboration and leadership abilities

✔ Exposure to career pathways and local opportunities

Students work closely with experienced mentors and community members while building projects that address real challenges. The program culminates in The Big Pitch, where students present their ideas to local leaders and receive authentic feedback.

Our long term vision is to help students see a future for themselves in Chaffee County, whether that means launching a business, contributing to the local economy, or pursuing meaningful work rooted in community.

Junior Edison helps students not only prepare for the future, but start building it now.