Rose City Innovation Lab
Empowering Detroit’s Youth: From Classroom to Real-World Success
Rose City Innovation Lab is a groundbreaking incubator program at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, made possible with seed funding and ongoing support from Teach Michigan’s Innovation Fund. We bridge the gap between education and real-world business experience, offering current and former JRLA students the unique opportunity to create, design, and build their own businesses. Through dual enrollment courses with Lawrence Tech University, hands-on projects, and real-world pitch competitions, our students transform their ideas into reality while earning college credits and gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills.
Our year-long program takes students on a journey from business concept to physical storefront, culminating in the construction of a pop-up shop during a summer intensive at Yestermorrow Design/Build School. By combining academic rigor with practical application, Rose City Innovation Lab is nurturing the next generation of Detroit’s entrepreneurs and innovators.
Our Innovations
The Rose City Experience
Business Incubation
Students spend the fall semester developing their business ideas and forming actual companies. Through Lawrence Tech courses in Principles of Management and Entrepreneurship, they learn the essentials of running a successful business. The semester culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition at TechTown Detroit, where students compete for funding to bring their ideas to life.
Architectural Design
In the spring semester, students dive into the world of design and architecture. The Design + Tech Studio course teaches them to create functional and appealing spaces for their businesses. Students apply these skills to design their own pop-up shops, presenting their plans in a design pitch competition to secure funding for construction.
Real-World Pitch Competitions
Throughout the program, students refine their presentation skills and compete for funding in real-world scenarios. Hosted at TechTown Detroit, these pitch competitions not only serve as final presentations for their dual enrollment courses but also provide students with feedback from industry professionals and potential investors. These events bridge the gap between academic projects and real-world business opportunities.
Hands-On Construction
During the summer, a select group of 10-12 students takes their pop-up shop designs from paper to reality. At Yestermorrow Design/Build School, they engage in an intensive hands-on experience, constructing the actual structures their businesses will operate from. This unique opportunity allows students to see their visions come to life while gaining valuable skills in construction and project management.
Become a Member Today!
Click here to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
English