This program helps high-schoolers find their way to tech

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship launched its Startup Tech program last week at Philly’s Roxborough High School backed by a $1 million donation from Newtown Square, Pa.-based SAP.

The program, aimed at providing kids with tech and entrepreneurship skills, will offer students a series of workshops and mentorship sessions through the next three years. The German enterprise software company, whose sprawling North American HQ is in Delaware County, pledged some 750 hours of volunteer time from its employees to help run the program.

Startup Tech, also present in four other Philly-area schools, kicked off last Wednesday, with 25 RHS students working on business plans and elevator pitches. The winning pitch? Lunch Box, a subscription-based app aimed at streamlining the school lunch process.

“This type of experience for the students has a huge impact, and it sets the stage for the rest of the school year,” said NFTE’s Jim Johnston, SVP of Operations and Engagement.

SAP has a longstanding relationship with New York-based NFTE. Last year, it hosted some 70 high-schoolers at its Newtown Square HQ to talk entrepreneurship and tech.

The move to help NFTE expand its program goes with the company’s social responsibility goals, said the company’s SVP Kyle Garman, who’s also a NFTE board member.

“One of our strategic priorities is to invest in the next generation and prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century,” said Garman. “I can’t think of a better way to accomplish this than through NFTE’s Startup Tech program.”