Trust Your Crazy Ideas Launch Lesson Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

On September 30, students from McDonogh 35 and a cohort from KIPP high schools—including Booker T. Washington, Frederick A. Douglass, and John F. Kennedy—gathered at JA BizTown for the one of many Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Launch Lessons happening this fall. The day centered on practicing entrepreneurial thinking, with students brainstorming innovative solutions to everyday problems while sharpening their collaboration and presentation skills.

A highlight of the event was guest speaker Shafin Kahn, Vice President of Innovation and Technology Commercialization at The Beach at UNO, who shared insights about New Orleans’ growing entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Beach—designated as a Research Park District by the City of New Orleans—serves as a hub for innovation, connecting public, private, and academic partners to advance technology, research, and economic growth.

Throughout the Launch Lesson, students were encouraged to view entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for shaping their communities. They explored how innovation can spark new opportunities, learned strategies to work as a team, and practiced pitching their “crazy ideas” with confidence. These lessons are just the beginning: students will carry their experiences back to their schools as they begin JA Catalyst, Junior Achievement’s flexible, hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum.

The Catalyst program, offered at no cost to schools and community partners, introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and innovation through seven sessions filled with interactive activities. Student teams of up to four can then develop a business plan and submit their idea for a chance to advance as semi-finalists in the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge.

Semi-finalists will continue their entrepreneurial journey this spring during the JA Idea Accelerator, where they’ll work with mentors, hear from local business leaders, and refine their pitches. The journey culminates at The Big Pitch during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, where teams present their ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience, competing for scholarships and the opportunity to move on to the Regional Competition.

By bringing together students, educators, and innovation leaders, the Launch Lesson set the stage for young people to dream big, think boldly, and trust their own crazy ideas.