412Build seeks summer entrepreneurs and makers

Know a young maker, 16-18, interested in running their own business? Get them to apply to 412Build, a free eight-week entrepreneurship and making program.

This year’s program will combine a two-week entrepreneurship and maker boot camp with a six-week business accelerator where students design, prototype, build and market their products in cooperation with local pet stores, bike shops, clothing retailers and the Heinz History Center. The program began in 2014 and changes its focus every year.

Applications for the summer 2016 session of 412Build, for teens ages 16 to 18, are due Feb. 28.

This year, the program is introducing retail partners as a new element. The teen entrepreneurs will interview small business owners to find out which products sell or would fill a void in the marketplace.

Community projects at Kite Hill Park and at a playground at Homewood Bible Center Church gave last year’s 412Build participants the opportunity to contribute their efforts based on what community members said they needed.

The partners behind the program include TechShop, the nonprofit economic development organization Innovation Works and tech incubator AlphaLab Gear. Although 412Build is open to all 16- to 18-year-olds, 412Build focuses on applicants from East Liberty and surrounding neighborhoods because AlphaLab Gear and TechShop are located there.

Read the full story on 412Build on the Remake Learning site.