Article by Jason Borgen, Chief Technology & Innovations Officer, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Over 40 high school students discover the power of big ideas, perseverance, and local innovation at Santa Cruz’s historic Wrigley Building.
On November 6, more than 40 high school students from across Santa Cruz County, from Pajaro Valley to San Lorenzo Valley, participated in Think Big, an immersive experience connecting students with local innovators, entrepreneurs, and business founders at the historic Wrigley Building in Santa Cruz.
Organized through a partnership between the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Santa Cruz Works, the event brought students face-to-face with the people building some of our community’s most innovative businesses.
With more than 14 businesses generously opening their doors, students went behind the scenes to discover what it takes to turn a big idea into a thriving company. They heard firsthand about the excitement of starting a business, the challenges of bringing an idea to life, and one of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship: It’s OK to fail. Perseverance, creativity, and passion are essential to success.
From exploring 3D-printed surfboards at Swellcycle to learning about robotic heart valve replacement technology at Capstan Medical, students experienced the incredible range of innovation happening right here in Santa Cruz County. At Found and Found, students met a creative entrepreneur who transforms materials discovered in nature into unique works of art, demonstrating that innovation can emerge from curiosity and a passion for the world around us.
The goal of Think Big was to help students recognize the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in their own backyard and imagine themselves as part of it. Whether they launch their own businesses, pursue careers with innovative local companies, or develop the skills and confidence to follow their passions, students walked away with an important message: Anyone can be an innovator.
One student summed up the experience perfectly: “It was the best field trip I’ve ever been on!”
Thank You to Our Participating Businesses and Community Partners
A special thank-you to the local businesses and organizations that have helped make Think Big possible, sharing their time, expertise, and entrepreneurial journeys with Santa Cruz County students:
Santa Cruz Bicycles
Swellcycle
Capstan Medical
Found and Found
Open Culture Science
Beyond Circuits
Geopulse Solutions
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Lumber & Pixel Co
Steamer Lane Design
Visual Endeavors
R. Blitzer Gallery
Wonderfil
Idea Fab Labs
These organizations represent the remarkable diversity of Santa Cruz County’s innovation economy, spanning biotechnology, engineering, environmental science, advanced manufacturing, design, and the arts.
We are especially grateful to the founders and professionals who took time out of their busy schedules to inspire our next generation of thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs.
And in a fitting twist, Neil Young happened to visit the Wrigley Building that evening for an unrelated event. So, in more ways than one, everyone was rockin’ in the free world at Think Big!
Think Big. Dream Big. Innovate Local.
Learn more santacruzcoe.org/thinkbig
