Experiential Learning Comes to Life at Maryville’s 2026 Summer BizTech Camp

Maryville University's BizTech Camp is a three-day program that connects high school students with faculty, student leaders, alumni, and industry professionals through hands-on entrepreneurship and mentorship.

At Maryville University, experiential learning isn't confined to classrooms. It happens through mentorship, collaboration, and real-world experiences that challenge students to apply what they're learning while growing as leaders.

That philosophy was on full display during the 2026 Summer BizTech Camp, where twelve high school students spent three days working alongside faculty, student leaders, alumni, and industry professionals as they tackled authentic business challenges designed to build both professional skills and personal confidence.

Throughout the program, students explored entrepreneurship, marketing, data analytics, communication, leadership, and teamwork through a hands-on business challenge. Working in three teams, students analyzed marketing data, developed an original product concept for a major brand, and presented their recommendations during a final business competition. Along the way, they strengthened skills in problem solving, public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Growing the Next Generation of Leaders

While the projects challenged students academically, the relationships built throughout the week may have been just as meaningful. Campers worked closely with Maryville faculty, current students, alumni, and business leaders who served not only as instructors, but as mentors. Questions about entrepreneurship often became conversations about college, leadership, career goals, and personal growth.

"One of the most rewarding parts of the week was watching the students discover confidence they didn't know they had," said Mitchell McCoy, Master of Business Administration student and Senior Project Manager with Maryville Solutions. "Each student brought something unique to their team, and it was incredible to watch them become more comfortable sharing ideas, collaborating with one another, and presenting with confidence. Their final presentations were outstanding, but what impressed me most was seeing how much they had grown in just three days. I had an absolute blast working with them, and I couldn't be prouder of every one of them."

Meet the Faculty and Student Leaders Behind The Camp

The camp was led by Dr. Kathleen Young, Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Christopher Gourdine, Associate Professor of Business Administration & Management , and Dr. Guangwei Fan, Associate Dean of Mathematics and Computing Sciences. Their leadership shaped an engaging experience centered on innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning.

Maryville Solutions , Maryville's student-led consulting initiative, supported the camp with Jesteena Chuc, Master of Business Administration and Solutions Graduate Assistant, and Cooper Anderson, Master of Science in Accounting and Solutions Senior Project Manager both returning after helping lead the inaugural 2025 Summer BizTech Camp. Current student leaders Imaan Tahir, B.S. Marketing , and Taylor Mason, B.S. Actuarial Science , coordinated the camp's daily programming and activities, while project captains Mitchell McCoy, Camila Shi, B.S. Actuarial Science, and Rafeh Mirza, B.S. Cybersecurity , each mentored the three student teams throughout the week.

Four of the seven student leaders involved in this year's camp are members of Maryville Solutions, reflecting the University's commitment to developing student leaders who apply their experience through mentorship and service to others.

Mentorship in Motion

By the end of the week, students left with more than polished presentations and innovative business ideas. They left with new mentors, stronger communication skills, greater confidence, and a firsthand understanding of what experiential learning looks like.

At Maryville University, education isn't simply about preparing students for their next assignment. It's about preparing them for their next opportunity. Programs like the Summer BizTech Camp demonstrate that when students are challenged through authentic experiences and surrounded by mentors who believe in their potential, confidence follows, and future leaders begin to emerge.