And They're Off: Tech Side Hustle Launch Brings New Program, Resources to College Students

Tech Side Hustle is a new kind of program for EEC member schools, designed to level up a skill of the student’s choice and focus on intriguing problem spaces. Tech Side Hustle is a pilot program that provides the coaching, funding and space for students to be creative and grow. Through mentoring and coaching sessions, students unlock problems such as building a prototype, finding first customers, and learning to pitch.

The program recruited participant teams during the summer of 2022 and accepted seven teams representing Baldwin Wallace University, Case Western Reserve University, and Kent State University.
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This part-time accelerator program for undergraduates and graduate students runs from mid-September to December and is delivered through both in-person and virtual means.

EEC is relying upon community partners to help support the students on their journey including JumpStart’s Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program, Bounce Innovation Hub, and EEC alumni. Student teams are eligible for up to $5,000 in funding to secure needed services to advance their ideas. They may also apply for funding and coaching to pursue a tech micro-credential to help them expand their expertise.

​Serial entrepreneur John Knific is leading Tech Side Hustle as Entrepreneur-in-Residence, with support from seasoned ecosystem builder EbaNee Bond as Program Manager.

EEC expects to operate the program again in 2023. Meanwhile, learn more about John and EbaNee.