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Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
Vision
As a result of the Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Program at Greenbrier Christian Academy (GCA), students will engage in a wide range of hands-on, project-based, and course-driven experiences that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life. Through authentic learning opportunities, students will develop an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in biblical principles, servant leadership, innovation, and stewardship.
The program features internships within GCA's student-led businesses currently of Gator Gardens and Grace & Grinds Cafe, while also offering a sequence of required courses and electives that culminate in an Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Certificate. Students will discover that entrepreneurship and sustainability are powerful tools for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, responsible leadership, and meaningful career opportunities.
Content Standards & Core Competencies
Students work to master the following essential competencies:
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service Excellence
- Workplace Readiness
- Leadership and Increased Responsibility
- Communication and Collaboration
- Financial Literacy
- Innovation and Creativity
- Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
- Hands-on, Real-World Experiential Learning
Course Sequence
Courses within the Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Program may be taken in any sequence beginning in Grade 8 and continuing through Grade 12.
Students may enroll in Business Entrepreneurship (Internship) for up to four years and must successfully complete at least three years to earn the Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Certificate. Many of the program electives may also satisfy graduation requirements while providing valuable career and college preparation.
Program Highlights
Greenbrier Christian Academy offers an innovative, experiential approach to entrepreneurship education. Because of the nature of the program, active participation is not simply encouraged—it is expected. Students learn by creating, managing, leading, solving real problems, and serving authentic customers through campus-based businesses and community partnerships.
Through these immersive experiences, students gain practical knowledge in leadership, communication, budgeting, marketing, operations, customer relations, teamwork, and business management. This project-based learning develops confidence, resilience, and professional skills that prepare students for higher education, entrepreneurship, and the workforce.
Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, students will be awarded the Greenbrier Christian Academy Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Certificate at graduation. This distinction recognizes the student's demonstrated proficiency in entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainability, and business operations. The certificate will also be noted on the student's academic transcript, highlighting their achievement for colleges, universities, and future employers.
Internship Experience
At the heart of the certificate program is the internship component of the Interneship Entrepreneurship course.
Students complete a minimum of two years participating in one or more of Greenbrier Christian Academy's student-led businesses and entrepreneurial learning environments. Internship opportunities may include:
- Grace & Grinds Café, GCA's student-operated coffee shop
- Gator Gardens
- Student-managed gardens and horticulture enterprises
- Campus landscaping and agricultural projects
- Community-based internships with local business partners
Additional internship opportunities may be developed based on student interests, business partnerships, and emerging entrepreneurial ventures.
Although two years of internship participation are required, these experiences may occur during any combination of the student's high school years and do not have to take place within the same business or enterprise.
Students pursuing the certificate will also complete two semesters of Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, along with one qualifying elective aligned with entrepreneurship, business, leadership, agriculture, sustainability, or innovation.
The diversity of coursework and internship experiences allows students with a wide variety of interests—including business, engineering, agriculture, marketing, hospitality, education, and nonprofit leadership—to pursue the Greenbrier Christian Academy Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Certificate while developing the knowledge, character, and skills to become Christ-centered leaders who positively impact their communities and the world.