Student Spotlight: Class helps Buffalo Grove entrepreneur launch and co-run business

INDICATORS MET: Workplace learning experience, Advanced Placement success, co-curricular participation   

Jackie Molloy took her first entrepreneurship class as a sophomore. Now, the Buffalo Grove High School junior is co-running a startup that is selling its product in stores across Chicago. 

Jackie and her classmates created Skunk Aid – a deskunking kit for dogs – in their entrepreneurship course, which is part of a District 214 entrepreneurship program that engages students in all aspects of building a business, from identifying and solving a problem to creating a business model and testing their product in the real world.

District 214 has also partnered with National Louis University so students like Jackie can complete their first year requirements toward a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration while in high school, giving them the opportunity to graduate college within three years.

Skunk Aid has been featured in print, radio and TV and is sold in hardware stores, keeping Jackie busy fulfilling orders and stocking inventory throughout the week.

An Advanced Placement and honors student who participates in Student Council and the BG Cares Club, Jackie credits the class for building her time management, organization and public speaking skills. The program also invites local entrepreneurs and experts in a variety of fields to help students refine their business model and perfect their pitch for potential investors, which has led to great opportunities for Jackie and her future.

“The entrepreneurs that come in to talk to our class are really helpful and it helps you build your network,” she said. “You definitely benefit from the experience.”

BIOGRAPHY

Jackie Molloy

High Shool: Buffalo Grove High School
College Plans: Jackie hopes to study entrepreneurship and political science in college.
Career Ready Fact: Along with co-running a business and participating in co-curriculars at school, Jackie has participated in U.S. Rep Bob Dold's Young Women's Leadership Academy, which brings in leaders from business, education and philanthropy to talk to high school and college students and provides opportunities to help students develop their leadership skills.