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Christensen Nominated for Prestigious Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards

“I'm really committed to exposing teens to new ways of thinking,” Christensen stated. “Entrepreneurs see problems and opportunities and act on them. It’s a paradigm shift. We teach teenagers business and entrepreneurship principles because it’s never too early to prepare tomorrow's business leaders."

Irvine, Calif. (February, 2013) – Stephen Christensen, Concordia University Irvine’s Executive Vice President of External Relations and Entrepreneurship Business Instructor, was recently nominated for the Orange County Business Journal’s “2013 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards” taking place March 20, 2013. 

Christensen is responsible for starting  the 40-person Teen Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) summer camp, offering teenagers hands-on, real-world training in how to start a business. He was inspired to start the program after seeing a 2011 Gallup poll reporting that almost 75% of teenagers are interested in starting a business but didn't get the training in high school. That, coupled with the shortage of summer jobs, he wanted to help them create their own jobs. So Christensen adapted his college entrepreneurship course for a high school audience. Empowering ‘TeenPreneurs’, TEA is a job creation and employment strategy that leads to economic self-sufficiency for young participants.

“I'm really committed to exposing teens to new ways of thinking,” Christensen stated. “Entrepreneurs see problems and opportunities and act on them. It’s a paradigm shift.  We teach teenagers business and entrepreneurship principles because it’s never too early to prepare tomorrow's business leaders."

The annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards are designed to recognize individuals who exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit – individuals who, by their creativity and determination, have established and nurtured successful business ventures.Those who have distinguished themselves by their foresight, resolve and accomplishments. 

About Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University that prepares students for their vocations—their calling in life. CUI offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree programs in a beautiful Southern California location, with online and regional cohort options.

A member of the Concordia University system of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, Concordia University Irvine empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service and leadership. Connect with CUI through its numerous social media channels.

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