Benjamin Russell’s Wildcat Entrepreneur Academy transforms high school students into business owners through an intensive program culminating in a “Shark Tank”-like proposal to a panel of investors, played by community leaders. 

While some students use the experience as a learning curve and apply skills to everyday life, academics and future work, others have risen to the challenge and turned their ideas into a full-blown working operation.

Amy Passaretti is a staff writer with the Alexander City Outlook.