Course Overview
What’s the Big Idea is part of the experiential entrepreneurship program at Syracuse University that supports student startups. This course teaches high school students how to imagine, create, and build a business or nonprofit organization. Learn how to think creatively, develop ideas, and build the foundation for a successful business or nonprofit organization. This course includes innovative and design-thinking, making the pitch, customer discovery, and an introduction to the incubators and resources at Syracuse University that will help you pursue your venture regardless of your major.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students will:
- Have an understanding and appreciation of innovation and design-thinking techniques.
- Understand how to make a persuasive elevator pitch
- Know how to do customer discovery
- Understand the value of college incubators and the resources provided
“In Business Innovation, Design… we were taught by industry experts, guest speakers, and [had] lessons filled with practical examples of what we’d be up against in the real world. The professor was very accessible and personable, which made learning more engaging. Speaking to classmates, doing product research, and then presenting my ideas to the entire class was an unbelievably rewarding experience and gave me skills that I will use throughout my entire professional career.”
— Daniel B., Summer College – Online Business Innovation, Design, and Startups Student, 2020
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 071
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2024 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
- Residential: $2,195
- Commuter: $1,726
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 1-Week Session I: Monday, July 8 – Friday, July. 12, 2024 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. & M or T; 6 – 8:30 p.m. | Noncredit | Open |
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students must attend class on campus Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday or Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
End Event
There will be a final Big Idea pitch presentation on the final day of class. Parents are welcome to attend!
Faculty Bios
Bruce Kingma
Professor Kingma has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Rochester and a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago. His research includes publications on the economics of information, libraries, and technology; entrepreneurship; and online education. Professor Kingma teaches in the Whitman School of Management and the School of Information Studies. He is the former Provost for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Syracuse University. Provost Kingma has developed award-winning programs in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community engagement across the Syracuse University campus and Central New York.