ST. GEORGE — A kid in a sandbox has endless possibilities for what to create. When those kids get older, they can enroll in Sandbox to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
Dedicated in August 2021, the five-story, 120,000 square foot Science, Engineering and Technology building at Utah Tech University opened to students at the beginning of the fall 2021 semester, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2021 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News
Utah Tech University recently became a participant in the Sandbox program, an entrepreneurial endeavor designed to cultivate business savvy in the tech industry among students.
As one of only four institutions selected in the state, Utah Tech is inviting current and prospective students to dedicate one year to developing a tech startup under the guidance of experienced mentors and industry leaders.
Sandbox was initially founded at Brigham Young University by Chris Crittenden, a tech entrepreneur and investor who aimed to integrate business creation into the university curriculum.
“Sandbox really is about preparing kids to get the very best jobs in tech,” Crittenden told St. George News.
There are real-world benefits to being a part of Sandbox, with Crittenden saying that the average Sandbox student goes on to make 25% more salary per year than their non-Sandbox peers.
Students who finish the program will receive 18 college credits.
Aaron Davis, associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Utah Tech, said that it is redefining the college experience, even though classes are held just twice a week.
“The reason we give so many credits is that students are expected to put in a ton of time building their companies,” Davis said. “They’re expected to spend a minimum of 25 to 30 hours a week building their companies.”
Even getting approved to be a part of the program is a rigorous endeavor, culminating in a hackathon on April 19, where students had to launch a new product. This is just to be allowed entry.
“We’ve found that the biggest predictor of success is how committed you are to actually build something big,” Davis said. “It is a lot more about commitment and dedication than it is about your raw skills.”
For its inaugural year at Utah Tech, the program anticipates enrolling about 20 students from an initial pool of 100 candidates, with plans to expand in future cohorts.
Photo shows the Utah Tech University Science, Engineering and Technology building in St. George, Utah, May 10, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Since its inception, Sandbox-backed companies have successfully raised over $60 million in funding, with six companies making it into the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program.
An added value of the Sandbox program is its global cohort model, which allows participants from Utah Tech to engage virtually with peers from other participating institutions.
“This is bigger than just one school. In fact, it’s bigger than Utah,” Davis said. “It’s how students from across the state experience this together and work together towards a common goal.”
Looking forward, the program aims not only to enrich its participants’ educational journeys but also to significantly impact the regional tech ecosystem by connecting students with top tech companies and startups.
Utah Tech’s involvement with Sandbox aligns with its polytechnic philosophy, emphasizing practical learning and career readiness.
“This is experiential learning at its most extreme,” Davis said.
A critical component of the Sandbox program is the mentorship provided to students. Experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts offer guidance through both group sessions and one-on-one interactions, helping students refine their ideas and strategies. This mentorship incorporates practical insights into launching and sustaining a tech business.
“All of the big tech companies in Utah have touched Sandbox in some way,” Crittenden said. “Either they’ve come in to present or their founders or mentors.”
As the program matures, the founders anticipate the growth of individual startups and the maturing of the job market, which will allow new graduates to put their skills to good use.
Prospective students and interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website at sandbox.ing for further details about the Sandbox program and application procedures.
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