Here for igniting possibility
The Academy at Golisano Institute’s mission is to immerse young people from across Western New York in the skills and behaviors that lead to rewarding careers. Taught by experts from Golisano Institute, our mission is to inspire students in grades 9–12 to explore the entrepreneurial mindset and build an early foundation in business.Two unique programs
The Academy welcomes students in grades 9-12 with an interest in business, entrepreneurship, or innovation. We offer two unique programs, one for school groups and another for individuals.
FOR SCHOOLS
Foundations in Business
One-time workshop for groups of 25 students or less
Covers fundamentals of business.
$300 for each school group
Fee is waived for Title I schools.
Half-day workshop
Flexible scheduling, Monday–Friday
Snack and lunch provided
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Master Classes
A weekly afterschool program for individuals
Explores one key business topic.
$300 for each student per session
3:15–4:30 pm
One day per week
6-week sessions
Multiple sessions offered throughout year
Transportation from schools to Golisano Institute is not provided.
Curriculum at a glance
FOR SCHOOLS
Foundations in Business
The half-day program covers core business fundamentals. These can be adjusted for unique scheduling and learning needs.
What is business?
Find out what makes businesses today tick by exploring how they create value, solve problems, and serve customers.
The mindset of business
Take on the role of a business leader and learn how to find opportunities, solve problems, and create value.
AI in business
Discover how businesses are using AI to work smarter, solve problems, and make better decisions.
The language of business
Learn to talk business by trying out different concepts and terms and seeing what they mean in plain English.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Master Classes
Master Class topics and faculty rotate every session. Classes may focus on a range of business areas.
Finding the sales edge
Sales strategy and customer engagement
Discover what it means to have an “edge” in sales by learning how to persuade and inspire people through relationship-building.
Register now
The AI-powered business
Artificial intelligence, business analytics & technology
Dive into the world of data-driven business and explore how technology can drive smarter decisions and improve performance.
Making the right impression
Personal brand management & marketing
Learn the basics of building a strong professional presence within the framework of core marketing principles.
All about the numbers
Financial accounting & business law
Become familiar with the basics of how businesses track performance and make financial decisions in order to operate responsibly.
Entrepreneurship 101
Thinking like an entrepreneur
Spark the entrepreneurial mindset by exploring what it takes to turn an “aha!” moment into a business opportunity.
Upcoming Master Class
Sales strategy and customer engagement
Finding the sales edge
About the class
Discover what it means to have an “edge” in sales by learning how to persuade and inspire people through relationship-building.
Instructor
Dr. Marvin Dietz, Lead Sales Faculty
Campus center(s)
Rochester
Time
3:15 pm–4:30 pm
Day of the week
Tuesday
Dates
September 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3
Built for the future
If admitted to Golisano Institute, students who pass three or more Master Classes earn discounts on the base annual cost ($8,900) for every year of study, depending on how many classes they complete.
| Completed classes | Total cost to attend per year |
| 3 | $7,900 |
| 4 | $7,400 |
| 5 | $6,900 |
Interested in the program for schools?
Get in touch with Ted Eckert, executive director of the Academy, at theacademy@golisanoinstitute.org, or fill out the form below to learn more about how your school can benefit from Foundations in Business.