Cochrane Summer Economics Institute
Cochrane Summer Economic Institute (CSEI) is a structured summer opportunity for rising high school Seniors to better understand the real-world challenges confronted when attracting businesses to and operating businesses in Richmond. During the program, student participants experience the realities of complex systems while heightening their awareness of “wicked problems.”
CSEI provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge of economics and use entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. The program begins July 7 and runs for four weeks from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through July 31. Students from any school in the greater Richmond metro area are invited to apply and provide a recommendation during the spring of their Junior year. Students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, business and community who embrace uncertainty and enjoy meeting new people have historically gravitated toward the program.
Let’s Design Something Great Together.
Richmond organizations are our Labs
With the guidance of Collegiate faculty, students embark on an exploration of Richmond and the systems that impact organizations operating in our community. Through first-hand observation of CSEI partner organizations, students discover the context in which they operate as they work to deliver their mission, vision and values. Student teams then identify a systemic challenge and apprentice with, or live with, the challenge they are curious about trying to positively impact. As they spend time on field trips and meeting citizens throughout Richmond and beyond, students ultimately increase their awareness of the interconnectedness of our community and how complex problem solving is.
Recent partnerships have included the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Dominion Energy, Henrico Entertainment & Sports Authority, Midas of Richmond, Richmond Squirrels, Startup Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Recent partnerships have included the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Dominion Energy, Henrico Entertainment & Sports Authority, Midas of Richmond, Richmond Squirrels, Startup Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The world is our Classroom
Working professionals and citizens from Richmond and beyond contribute to CSEI participants' growing understanding of the complexity of attracting businesses to and operating businesses in Richmond. A range of individuals share experiences that are directly applicable to participants’ lines of inquiry and leadership development as well as the real-world challenges students are contemplating. Volunteers meet with students either at their Richmond offices, on Collegiate’s campus or virtually.
Technology is in our Toolbox
By leveraging MIRO, Zoom and a Google course site, CSEI participants collaborate in-person and virtually with Collegiate faculty and CSEI peers, the Richmond community and professionals around the world from either Collegiate’s campus or partner organization workplaces.
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Contact Us
Trina Clemans
Director, Cochrane Summer Economic Institute
Director, Economic Literacy and Entrepreneurship Education at Collegiate School
trina_clemans@collegiate-va.org
CSEI is a program of the Powell Institute for Responsible Citizenship at Collegiate School.
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