Meet LPS Focus Program Scholar: Thunder, Nebraska Business

Lincoln Public Schools Focus Programs are a customized high school experience rooted in connection and opportunities. 

LPS offers our scholars almost a dozen focus programs, like Standing Bear High School sophomore Thunder. 

He began customizing his high school experience with one of the school district’s newest focus programs – Nebraska Business at Standing Bear. Being influenced by his entrepreneur father, Thunder thought the program would be a good way to jumpstart his college education and explore his business aspirations. 

Read more about Thunder’s Nebraska Business experience in this Q&A as he is one of our featured Focus Program Scholars. 

Name: Thunder 

Home High School: Standing Bear High School

Grade: 10 

Focus Program: Nebraska Business

Why did you choose the Nebraska Business Focus Program?

I chose it because I saw a really good opportunity to get college credits in high school. I thought it was a unique experience that I could take advantage of. I plan on going into business after high school so this is a chance for me to get ahead and save money.

What do you like most about the Nebraska Business Focus Program?

I like learning about all the different fields within business. We’ve done some different projects that have been interesting. We did a marketing project that really helped us understand what it takes to be successful in that area.

What makes the Nebraska Business Focus Program different?

I was never able to take a business class before this year, so it’s been great to be able to take several classes focused on business. Having the Nebraska Business professors and teachers come to our classes to teach has been a unique experience.

How do you get to explore your passions or interests at the Nebraska Business Focus Program?  

Throughout the program, I get to take different types of classes within the field of business. I think this will help me discover what I like to do and maybe what I’d like to major in during college.

How has attending the Nebraska Business Focus Program empowered you as a student?

Doing the sales pitch competition helped me build confidence in how the marketing branch works. Practicing in class helped when it came to presenting my idea during the competition.

What are your relationships with other students and staff like within the Nebraska Business Focus Program?

I feel like the staff is supportive in helping me grow and learn about business. Going through the program with other students will help me build relationships with those students because we’re doing the same things and taking the same classes.

How has being a part of a LPS Focus Program added to your high school experience? 

I can definitely get a more in-depth understanding of business because of this business focus program at our school. 

How has the Nebraska Business Focus Program prepared you for the future?

It has really been good for preparing me for the classes I will likely be taking in college. It’s going to be giving me some college credit, so I’ll have a jump start.

Why are focus programs like the Nebraska Business Focus Program important to high school students?

The focus program offers more opportunities to hear from UNL professors and go to UNL. This program also offers classes that we may not be able to take at other schools.

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned since attending the Nebraska Business Focus Program? 

I’ve learned several different strategies for marketing and learning about the stock market. Before this class, I didn’t know anything about these areas and I can now make smart investments. 

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the Nebraska Business Focus Program at Standing Bear by visiting its website at https://business.lps.org/.

Don’t forget also to explore LPS Focus Programs at home.lps.org/focus. 

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