RISE in partnership with the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) and community sponsors, hosted the RISE Impact Halifax Startup Experience on June 23–25, 2026, at SVHEC in South Boston.
The three-day summer program welcomed rising 7th through 12th grade students from Halifax County Middle School, Halifax County High School, and homeschool communities in Halifax and Charlotte counties for an engaging entrepreneurship experience centered on innovation, leadership, and problem-solving.
Throughout the program, students explored key entrepreneurial concepts, including identifying opportunities, thinking creatively, solving problems, understanding customer needs, developing innovative ideas, and learning how entrepreneurs create value within their communities. Working in collaborative teams, participants applied these concepts through interactive challenges and activities designed to strengthen essential workplace and life skills.
Students also developed competencies in critical thinking, design thinking, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and responsible citizenship while tackling real-world challenges and presenting their ideas with confidence.
“The Impact Halifax Startup Experience encourages students to think beyond the classroom by introducing them to entrepreneurship as a way to solve problems, create opportunities, and make a positive impact in their communities,” said Jocelyn Forest, Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator for the RISE Collaborative. “By combining entrepreneurial concepts with hands-on learning, students build confidence and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their education, careers, and lives.”
The Impact Halifax Startup Experience is part of RISE’s ongoing commitment to preparing Southern Virginia’s youth for the future by cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, fostering innovation, and developing the leadership skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing economy.
RISE extends its sincere appreciation to the students, families, sponsors, volunteers, guest speakers, and community partners whose support made this experience possible.
Want to bring entrepreneurship to your classroom or club?
Contact Jocelyn Forest at jocelynforest@svhec.org or 434-572-5483 to learn more about the RISE Student Entrepreneurship Program.