by Sari Signorelli
For Arianna Barnes, a student at Nottingham High School, Syracuse University’s entrepreneurship course offered through Project Advance checked all the boxes. Planning to study engineering, software development, or computer science in college with a business minor, Arianna saw the SU course as an ideal opportunity to explore both passions simultaneously.
“This class was like, okay, we’re combining two things I love, technology and business,” she explained.
Beyond learning the mechanics of running a business, Arianna values how the SU courses prepare students for college-level work. “They just give you an understanding what college classes will be like and just preparing you for college in general,” she said.
Her advice for students considering taking SU courses through Project Advance? Take the leap but be ready to commit. “Definitely take it, but you must stay focused and make sure you’re on top of your work because it’s very easy to fall behind.”
The experience has taught Arianna more than entrepreneurship—she’s developed crucial study skills and learned to avoid procrastination, lessons that will serve her well in college and beyond.