What We Offer
We provide a comprehensive program designed to empower young entrepreneurs through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences. Our offerings include summer internships, business courses, product and service development, networking opportunities, field trips, and more. Students will connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from mentors of color and guest speakers.
In addition, Noir Culture operates similar to a community center, providing access to a gym, art room, participate in student-led clubs, and design lab for incubator students as well as workshops for youth outside the program. The organization also houses a research lab where students identify issues affecting their neighborhoods, study root causes, explore solutions, and work to implement positive change in their communities and their own lives.
Our goal is to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed and create lasting change in their communities.
1
Courses in Business Building and Background Knowledge
Our curriculum is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in business fundamentals. They will learn essential topics such as business strategy, finance, marketing, legal considerations, and entrepreneurship. Through a mix of classroom learning and practical assignments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to launch and grow a successful business. These courses lay the groundwork for students to make informed decisions when they start their own ventures.
2
Hands-On Work and Real-World Applications
In addition to theoretical knowledge, we emphasize practical learning. Students will participate in real-world projects, business simulations, and activities that challenge them to apply classroom concepts. Whether it’s managing a mock business, creating a financial plan, or pitching a product, students will engage with real challenges and gain valuable problem-solving skills to prepare them for entrepreneurship.
3
Product and Service Development
In the later stages of the program, students focus on building their own products or services. They’ll learn how to conduct market research, develop prototypes, and fine-tune their offerings to meet market demands. From brainstorming initial ideas to testing and launching, students will gain invaluable experience in turning their creative ideas into tangible business ventures, by using the Design lab, 3D printing, and more. This hands-on approach prepares them for the complexities of product development and getting their businesses off the ground.
4
Summer Internships
Our summer internship program offers students hands-on experience working with local businesses, startups, and nonprofits. Interns will gain valuable exposure to various industries, from finance to fashion, and apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. These internships provide essential networking opportunities, mentorship, and an understanding of the day-to-day operations of businesses, empowering students to build their resumes and professional networks early. Summer Internships will start in the Summer of Year 2 for each student.
5
Networking Opportunities
Students will have multiple opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals across different industries. Whether through networking events, alumni meetups, or special collaborations, these interactions will provide students with real-world insights, valuable advice, and potential partnerships. Networking is a key component of building a successful business, and we ensure that our students are well-connected to key people in their chosen fields.
6
Field Trips to Diverse Work Environments
Our program includes a variety of field trips to different industries, giving students the chance to observe the inner workings of businesses firsthand. Whether visiting a hospital, sports facility, fashion company, or criminal justice institution, students will see how different sectors operate. These experiences broaden their horizons, expose them to new career opportunities, and help them understand how different industries contribute to the economy.
7
Student-Led Clubs and Organizations
We encourage students to take ownership of their interests by creating and running their own clubs. Whether focused on entrepreneurship, technology, fashion, or social justice, these student-led organizations provide a platform for students to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and collaborate with peers. Students will have the opportunity to lead initiatives, organize events, and contribute to the community, gaining practical experience in team management and project execution.
8
Mentorship Pairings with Professionals of Color
A core element of our program is the mentorship pairing, where students are matched with industry professionals of color who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences. These mentors provide guidance, advice, and emotional support, helping students navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. The mentorship relationships extend beyond the program, offering long-term support as students enter the workforce or launch their businesses. This connection is designed to inspire students and show them that success is attainable, no matter their background.
9
Student Research Lab
The research lab provides students with a dedicated space to investigate real issues affecting their neighborhoods and communities. Students identify challenges, study their root causes, explore potential solutions, and develop strategies to make a positive impact. This hands-on experience teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, research methods, and project implementation skills while empowering students to apply their findings to create meaningful change in their own lives and communities. By connecting research to real-world action, students gain a sense of agency, responsibility, and the tools to become thoughtful, engaged leaders in their communities.
10
Guest Speaker Sessions
Throughout the program, students will have the unique opportunity to hear from guest speakers who are experts in various fields—entrepreneurs, investors, legal experts, corporate leaders, and more. These sessions provide valuable insights into different aspects of business, from fundraising and marketing to intellectual property and business law. Guest speakers share their personal stories, challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned, giving students a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the business world.
11
Community Center Access
Throughout the year, students will have access to a vibrant community center designed to foster creativity, learning, and collaboration. The space includes a gym, art room, and design lab, where students can work on projects, attend workshops, and explore their talents. Beyond the incubator program, workshops and classes are offered to youth in the broader Noir Culture Program, providing opportunities to learn new skills, engage in hands-on activities, and connect with peers. This environment encourages exploration, innovation, and personal growth while supporting students in applying what they learn to their own projects and communities.