welcome
BizKids
as a high schooler you're always asked the question:
what do you want to be when you grow up?
The problem is, the answer to that question is not so simple.
You may have a general idea of what you want to be when you grow up. Or, you may feel completely lost, and have no idea what you want to do, or what to study in college. Or, if you even want to go to college!
There are so many decisions you are expected to make as a student that affect your future. Yet, you are given so few opportunities to make those decisions from real-world experience.
We know what this pressure feels like, because we have been there. That’s why we created BizTank.
this program was built for you
Whether you are a dreamer, a planner, a know-it-all, or a I’m-not-so-sure-I-know-what-I’m-doing-with-my-life kind of kid, BizTank is for you.
BizTank is a special scholarship program for high school, Junior and Senior, students who are interested in learning about the business world — outside of the classroom. BizTank gives you a behind-the-scenes look into a variety of industries through local and nationally-recognized speakers, who talk about the direction their lives have taken, their hard work, successes and of course, failures.
how it works
We know you’re busy and your time is valuable. That’s why there are three opportunities each year to participate in BizTank.
Fall
spring
BizTank consists of two, 8-week Seasons, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM CST and is offered to Junior and Senior students from any local area high school and beyond.
Our speakers represent a variety of industries and job titles, from police officers, to designers, military officers, restaurant owners, bankers, electricians, and everything in between. We’ve heard from nationally recognized players such as Jason Feifer, Editor-In-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine; Nick Vlahos, CEO of the Honest Company; and Bonnie Blair-Cruikshank, Former Speed Skater and five time Olympic Gold Medalist.
We’re not here to tell you what to do. It’s our hope that you feel in control of your future and are excited about exploring all of your options.
what you need
To become a BizTank Kid (aka “BizKid”), you must be a Junior or Senior from any local area high school (willing to drive to our studio), complete the application form and submit a letter of recommendation.
If you are a returning BizKid and wish to keep your seat, you must participate in 2 hours of community service and complete a job shadow. Seats are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive your scholarship ($250-$500/per season depending on funding) toward continuing education, you must have attended 7 out of 8 Wednesday night sessions, per season, and completed the above requirements.
spring season
2021 Spring Season
The 2021 Spring Season of BizTank will be one you won’t want to miss! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us anytime via email hello@biztanknonprofit.org
testimonials
What People are Saying
“I’m so impressed with the savvy and ambition of the students in this program. They’re a testament to how exciting and transformational the next generation of entrepreneurs will be.”
Jason Feifer
Editor In Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine
“These enterprising students were filled with energy, wit and a clear entrepreneurial spirit. BizTank combined with their engaging positivity and insightful curiosity will definitely jump start their paths to success.”
Lori Cheek
Founder and CEO of Cheekd
“I couldn’t be more impressed and quite frankly inspired by what these future leaders are doing with BizTank. Each participant has the desire and conviction to make a difference.”
Mark Satkiewicz
Former management roles with TOM’s Shoes and Nike
“I was so happy to be a virtual speaker at BizTank. Not knowing what to expect when I opened up my screen and saw 20-30 hungry teenage entrepreneurs I knew BizTank was onto something great. I think that teaching entrepreneurship at a young age is missing from the majority of high school curriculums and is so necessary as a life skill in today’s environment. I was happy to be a part of it, the kids were so enthusiastic and I hope to do more with this innovative team in the future”
Morri Chowaiki
Head of Retail and Sales for Daymond John and the Shark Group
“My experience with the students in BizTank was fascinating. To see young women and men proactively bringing insightful questions and engaging in interesting conversations tells me this program is attracting and cultivation some of tomorrow’s top leaders. BizTank is an incredible resource for students today and businesses tomorrow. I am excited to see where each of these students end up and hope to land at least a few at Amazon.”
Chuck Powell
Director/General Manager for Amazon
“I got to share some of my experiences with the BizTank (mostly composed of Jr. and Sr. High School Students). While my visit to the Tank is not quite the norm, as I am not sure any of the students I spoke to have become Olympians, I am hoping what I shared with them about my journey of using hard work, dedication, teamwork (even though I was in an individual sport), failures and using your resources to chase your goals and dreams, would help them in their path to success. A great program that goes beyond the classroom and lets the students have a more tangible look at the real world.”
Bonnie Blair
Former Olympian