Transforming Young Lives Through Entrepreneurship
Rutgers–Camden program inspires high-school and undergraduate students to innovate in business and beyond
For Oscar Holmes IV, associate dean of undergraduate programs and an associate professor of management at Rutgers School of Business–Camden, setting young people's lives on the right track is a passion that comes from lived experience.
“As a first-generation student who grew up in a poor but nurturing area of rural Virginia, I have direct knowledge of how important it is to provide students opportunities as early as possible,” Holmes said. “I am a beneficiary of family, educators, and community members who gave me opportunities and feel it is my duty to pay it forward."
One way Holmes pays it forward is by leading the Rutgers University Student Executive (RUSE) program, which he has done since its inception in 2017. The nine-week co-curricular program, open to Rutgers–Camden undergraduates and regional high school students, covers basic business concepts and welcomes guest speakers to share their experiences and insights.
The students collaborate in teams to prepare for and participate in an end-of-program business pitch competition, with cash prizes and bragging rights awarded to the winners. While the cash prize is appreciated, the students find the knowledge and experience they gain from the program most valuable.
Oscar Holmes IV, associate dean of undergraduate programs and an associate professor of management
Oscar Holmes IV, associate dean of undergraduate programs and an associate professor of management
“I was really excited to meet new people and network with the students and the guest speakers,” said Maurquay Moody, a senior at Camden Prep High School who participated in the Spring 2024 RUSE session. He emphasized that connecting with new people expanded his worldview, which is important to him as he makes decisions about college and beyond.
For Kaylah Waite, a junior at Camden County Technical High School–Gloucester Township Campus who is participating in RUSE for a second time, the program has served to fortify her dreams and help her map out how to make them happen.
“I enjoyed the guest speakers who shared their experiences as entrepreneurs, because I also want to be an entrepreneur and open my own business. Hearing from them truly inspired me,” Waite said.
One alumna of the program, Bria Terrell, has done what Waite hopes to do. Terrell was part of the inaugural group of students who participated in the program as a high school student in 2017 and again in 2018. At that time, she was already making cakes and other sweets for sale to family and friends in her local community.
With the knowledge she gained from her time with RUSE and a fundamental drive to develop her business, Terrell has gone on to build Bite Sized Blessings, LLC, hosting pop-up shops in Philadelphia-area Shop-Rite supermarkets and expanding her sales overall. Her success was recognized in Black Innovators Magazine.
“The RUSE program helped me understand that there are people who want to help if you are driven and passionate about your vision,” Terrell said. “You cannot do everything by yourself; to be successful, you must learn to delegate, ask for help, and trust others.”
Terrell, who is currently enrolled in college studying chemical engineering while running her business, credits mentors like Holmes and others she met from her time with RUSE—people she may not have otherwise connected with in her life—with helping to shape and support her vision even as she faced challenges and setbacks. For Holmes, that is exactly the point.
Holmes with the first-place undergraduate winners of the Spring 2024 business pitch competition, Roberto Cintron RSBC’24 and Myo Thinzar Htin Aung CCAS’27, with sponsor Bydeia Harmon.
Holmes with the first-place undergraduate winners of the Spring 2024 business pitch competition, Roberto Cintron RSBC’24 and Myo Thinzar Htin Aung CCAS’27, with sponsor Bydeia Harmon.
“There is a proverb that states, 'Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child,'” Holmes said. “Though I believe we should prepare people for the path, it is also incumbent upon us to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be successful.”
The high school participants gathered at the final session of the Spring 2024 RUSE program.
The high school participants gathered at the final session of the Spring 2024 RUSE program.
“The RUSE program helped me understand that there are people who want to help if you are driven and passionate about your vision.”
–Bria Terrell, RUSE alumna
Design: Douglas Shelton
Video and Photography: Ron Downes Jr.
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