Special to the Leader-Press
Central Texas College’s Net Impact Chapter recently hosted Lemonade Day University, an engaging, hands-on workshop designed to introduce young students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship while preparing them for Lemonade Day, held annually the first weekend in May.
Lemonade Day is a national initiative that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their own lemonade stand businesses. Through real-world experience, participants learn essential life skills such as financial literacy, goal setting, customer service, and leadership. The program encourages students to think creatively, manage money responsibly, and gain confidence as young business owners.
Held at the Mayborn Science Theater on the Central Texas College campus, Lemonade Day University brought together local youth and college student mentors for a full day of interactive learning. Members of the college’s Net Impact Chapter guided participants through the process of building their own lemonade businesses, from branding and budgeting to product development and sales strategies.
Students didn’t just learn concepts. They put them into action.
Seven-year-old Ari Davis proudly shared how he learned to make the perfect batch of lemonade for his upcoming stand.
“The first we cut the lemon into four pieces, and then we got water and put half of the water into the cup. Then we squeezed in the lemon juice, and then we mixed it up, and then we were done,” the third grader explained.
Older students also walked away with valuable lessons that extended beyond the lemonade stand.
Sixteen-year-old Jeanna Brooks said the experience challenged her in new ways.
“I learned a lot about teamwork and really using creativity,” she said. “Naturally, I’m not really a creative person. I like being told how things are supposed to be. So exercising that creative muscle was something I learned how to do.”
Brooks added that collaboration played a key role throughout the day.
“We practiced teamwork when we had to compromise, because a lot of times we were put into groups,” she said. “We had to work together and figure things out.”
Among her favorite activities were designing a business logo and, of course, making lemonade.
“My favorite thing was either the logo design, because I love digital design, or making the lemonade, because I love to drink lemonade,” she said.
Beyond profits, students were also encouraged to think about purpose. Brooks shared that she plans to give back.
“I will likely give some of my proceeds from my Lemonade Day sales to local charities, because that is also the essence of our business,” she said. “And then some of it will definitely go toward my education.”
Through mentorship, hands-on activities, and real-world application, Lemonade Day University demonstrated the power of early entrepreneurial education. By connecting college students with young learners, Central Texas College continues to invest in building confidence, creativity, and business skills in the next generation of leaders. National Lemonade Day is held the first weekend in May. Look for more than a dozen stands scattered throughout Copperas Cove.
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