The Carroll Business Academy is accepting student applications through Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. for the 2025-26 school year.

The backstory

Carroll ISD launched the CBA at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. According to the district website, the program is part of the district’s Career and Technical Education department.

It features an entrepreneurship curriculum and provides business education experiences, including hands-on learning in the area of starting, developing, and pitching a business, industry seminars and entrepreneurial skills, according to its website.

Students can learn from and network with local business leaders and residents who volunteer their time in three different ways:
  • As mentors, business leaders and residents can provide strategic guidance and wisdom to student teams with weekly communication
  • As guest speakers/coaches, volunteers can teach subject matter in the Entrepreneurship 1 class
  • As pitch event board of advisers, volunteers evaluate student teams and providing strategic business advice at key pitch events
Zooming in


According to the district’s CTE website, the CBA pathway includes the following courses:
  • Principals of business, marketing and finance
  • Entrepreneur I
  • Honors Entrepreneur II
  • Social Media Marketing and Virtual Business
  • Business Law
  • Accounting I
During their senior year, students can enroll in a practicum course, where they shadow mentors across different business environments. This hands-on experience provides them with valuable insights and practical skills, helping them prepare for success in the ever-changing business world.

Zooming out

According to a recent survey conducted by Junior Achievement, the world leader in providing young people with knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship, 60% of American teens are more interested in starting their own business than having a traditional job.

Other notable statistics from the survey include:
  • 37% of teens interested in starting their own business cite social media influencers/celebrities as their top inspiration
  • 45% of teens feel it’s most beneficial to hear about starting their own business from business owners
  • 37% of teens would be interested in after-school or in-school programs that focus on teaching entrepreneurship
Quote of note


"These survey results show that teens are more interested than ever in starting a business," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA.

Students or parents with questions about the CBA program can contact [email protected] for more information.