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  5. Build-A-Bridge

Build-A-Bridge

Build-A-Bridge participants listening in a classroom.

Build-A-Bridge is an entrepreneurship program for junior and senior high school students in the Gulf Coast Region. The program educates students about entrepreneurship and business management. Build-A-Bridge will be held at the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama. 

The progam has three major areas of impact:

  • Students gain vital skills to prepare them to start a new business.
  • Bridges a gap between high school to college to encourage students to advance their education.
  • Enhances the entrepreneurial mindset of the students and local community.

The program offers students training from area professionals and entrepreneurship faculty. It will also offer them access to business contacts and networks that could help launch their ideas. 

The Build-A-Bridge program begins with an educational workship. After learning the tools during Build-A-Bridge, students return to the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama to pitch their business ideas to independent judges for prize money in the Spark Pitch Competition. 

The program is open to juniors and seniors in high school. All students must have a high school educator who will accompany them to the program. While the program is offered as a service to the high school students of the community, the educator must fill out the application form. 

 
2026 Registration
 

FAQs

  • What is Build-A-Bridge? An entrepreneurship training program open to all area high school juniors and seniors.
  • What is the Spark Pitch Competition? A chance for high school juniors and seniors to pitch their business ideas to independent judges for prize money.
  • Is there a cost to the high school students? No, both programs are a service to the community by the Melton Center for Entrepreneurship at the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama.
  • Is there a cost to the educators? No, both programs are a service to the community by the Melton Center for Entrepreneurship at the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama.
  • How may I participate? Educators must complete the application form. Students must be under the direct supervision of a high school educator who will accompany them for each competition. Transportation is the responsibility of each individual school. Applications to participate in the Build-A-Bridge program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limited number of student spots available for the program. 
  • Can I just participate in the Spark Pitch Competition? Participation in the Build-A-Bridge program is necessary for any student interested in competing in the Spark Pitch Competition. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Jen Zoghby, zoghby@southalabama.edu.