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Episode 2: Educator. Teaching Teens to Pitch, Build, and Lead: Inside Comal's Incubator Program
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In this episode of Beyond Giving, Zach sits down with Dr. Lizette Goodloe from the Comal Education Foundation to explore how high school students are learning to build real businesses through hands-on incubator programs. From classroom pitches to national competitions, discover how Comal ISD is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Host:
Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"
Guest:
Dr. Lizette Goodloe, Executive Director of the Comal Education Foundation
Find Us:
Episode Highlights:
- From Classroom to Foundation:
Dr. Lizette Goodloe shares her journey from being an 18-year classroom teacher and coach to leading innovative programming at the Comal Education Foundation and Comal ISD. - Inside the Student Incubator Program:
Discover how Comal ISD empowers high school students to become entrepreneurs through a hands-on, pitch-driven incubator class across three campuses—culminating in a pitch competition where winning teams may advance to a national stage in Chicago. - Beyond the Grades—Real-World Learning:
Students build business plans, pitch to real audiences, fundraise, create prototypes, and connect with mentors, gaining unmatched communication, marketing, and leadership skills. Dr. Goodloe explains how even non-entrepreneurial students benefit long-term from the experience.
Foundation-Fueled Support:
Learn how the Comal Education Foundation supports students and teachers with:
- Grants for classroom innovation
- Startup funds for new schools
- Mock interviews and hiring fairs
- Internships and externship partnerships
- Community engagement and mentorship programs
Events That Make an Impact:
Hear about two major fundraising events:
- Spring Fling at Knibbe Ranch (April 3rd) – featuring student-made auction items, live music, and more.
- Fall Golf Tournament at Canyon Springs – now with a new Ladies’ Golf Clinic in partnership with First Tee.
Takeaways:
- Public education needs more than funding—it needs your time and expertise.
- Mentorship, speaking, and internships can dramatically shape a student’s path.
- Foundations like Comal's play a critical role in bridging school and community.
Get Involved:
Visit: Comal ISD Education Foundation Website
Attend upcoming events or volunteer as a mentor, speaker, or site partner.
🎧 Subscribe to Beyond Giving for more inspiring stories of impact, innovation, and community change-makers in the nonprofit world.
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