Baltimore, Maryland, February 2, 2026
Coppin State University (CSU) is enhancing entrepreneurial education through various initiatives, including the launch of the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship and a new Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate program, aimed at empowering the local community. CSU also focuses on partnerships and youth entrepreneurship to foster economic growth and innovation.
Baltimore’s Coppin State University Enhances Entrepreneurial Education
Baltimore, Maryland – Coppin State University (CSU) is strengthening its commitment to entrepreneurial education through several key initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and economic empowerment within the community.
Launch of the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE)
In 2021, CSU inaugurated the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE), a state-of-the-art hub designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. The CSE serves as a resource for both the campus and the broader community, offering guidance and support for founders, early-stage ideas, and small businesses seeking capital and advisement. The center is located in the newly renovated entry level of the former Percy Julian Science Building on CSU’s campus.
Introduction of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate
To equip students with essential business skills, CSU offers a one-year, credit-bearing Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate. This program, offered in conjunction with the College of Business’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, provides courses covering legal, marketing, financial, and technology-related aspects necessary for establishing and growing a business. The flexible scheduling accommodates the demands of emerging entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
CSU’s College of Business is deeply engaged with the local community, offering programs designed to address the needs of both the campus and the West Baltimore area. These initiatives include consumer education, entrepreneurship, research, and service learning. The college’s Career Excellence Program, Data and Financial Experiential Program Labs, and the Entrepreneurship Center serve as a community hub, fostering collaboration between the university and the broader community.
Expansion of the Partners in Education Program
In May 2022, CSU expanded its Partners in Education initiative by signing a partnership agreement with Carroll Community College. This agreement aims to reduce barriers and increase access to a four-year degree for community college students interested in business careers. The partnership facilitates acceptance into CSU’s College of Business, provided students meet all admission requirements, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students in the region.
Celebration of 125 Years with Economic Inclusion Conference
In April 2025, CSU celebrated its 125th anniversary by hosting the Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin (EICAC ’25). The conference, themed “125 Years of Leading the Way to Wealth: A New Paradigm for Youth Economic Empowerment,” aimed to redefine how Baltimore youth and young adults access economic opportunities. The event attracted over 1,000 attendees, including high school seniors, local employers, elected officials, and community stakeholders, underscoring CSU’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment and inclusion.
Development of the New College of Business Building
In November 2023, CSU celebrated the grand opening of its new $45.8 million College of Business building. The facility houses the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship and the School of Graduate Studies, offering 14 master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as 15 post-baccalaureate and post-master’s degree certificates across various disciplines. The building was designed in collaboration with Baltimore-based architecture firm Quinn Evans and Boston architecture firm Goody Clancy, with construction led by Barton Malow.
Focus on Youth Entrepreneurship
CSU’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship is also dedicated to fostering youth entrepreneurship. In 2023, the center launched the Excellence in Entrepreneurial Learning (EXCEL) Research Project, focusing on improving conditions for youth entrepreneurship in Baltimore. The project examines current entrepreneurship training programs for youth and young adults aged 16 to 29, aiming to identify opportunities for enhanced training and resource support, thereby promoting economic mobility for young people in the city.
Conclusion
Through these initiatives, Coppin State University continues to play a pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurial education and economic empowerment in Baltimore, reflecting its longstanding commitment to community engagement and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE) at Coppin State University?
The Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE) is a state-of-the-art hub designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. It serves as a resource for both the campus and the broader community, offering guidance and support for founders, early-stage ideas, and small businesses seeking capital and advisement. The center is located in the newly renovated entry level of the former Percy Julian Science Building on CSU’s campus.
What does the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate program at CSU entail?
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate is a one-year, credit-bearing program offered in conjunction with the College of Business’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship. It provides courses covering legal, marketing, financial, and technology-related aspects necessary for establishing and growing a business. The flexible scheduling accommodates the demands of emerging entrepreneurs.
How does CSU engage with the local community through its College of Business?
CSU’s College of Business is deeply engaged with the local community, offering programs designed to address the needs of both the campus and the West Baltimore area. These initiatives include consumer education, entrepreneurship, research, and service learning. The college’s Career Excellence Program, Data and Financial Experiential Program Labs, and the Entrepreneurship Center serve as a community hub, fostering collaboration between the university and the broader community.
What is the Partners in Education initiative at CSU?
The Partners in Education initiative is designed to reduce barriers and increase access to a four-year degree for community college students interested in business careers. In May 2022, CSU expanded this initiative by signing a partnership agreement with Carroll Community College, facilitating acceptance into CSU’s College of Business for students who meet all admission requirements.
What was the focus of the Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin (EICAC ’25)?
The Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin (EICAC ’25), held in April 2025, aimed to redefine how Baltimore youth and young adults access economic opportunities. The conference, themed “125 Years of Leading the Way to Wealth: A New Paradigm for Youth Economic Empowerment,” attracted over 1,000 attendees, including high school seniors, local employers, elected officials, and community stakeholders, underscoring CSU’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment and inclusion.
What is the Excellence in Entrepreneurial Learning (EXCEL) Research Project?
The Excellence in Entrepreneurial Learning (EXCEL) Research Project, launched in 2023 by CSU’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, focuses on improving conditions for youth entrepreneurship in Baltimore. The project examines current entrepreneurship training programs for youth and young adults aged 16 to 29, aiming to identify opportunities for enhanced training and resource support, thereby promoting economic mobility for young people in the city.
Key Features of CSU’s Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Location | Year Launched |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE) | A hub supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with guidance and resources. | CSU Campus, Baltimore, MD | 2021 |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate | A one-year program offering courses in legal, marketing, financial, and technology aspects of business. | CSU Campus, Baltimore, MD | Ongoing |
| Community Engagement Programs | Initiatives addressing consumer education, entrepreneurship, research, and service learning. | West Baltimore, MD | Ongoing |
| Partners in Education Initiative | Partnerships with community colleges to facilitate transfer to CSU’s College of Business. | CSU Campus, Baltimore, MD | Expanded in 2022 |
| Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin (EICAC ’25) | A conference redefining access to economic opportunities for Baltimore youth and young adults. | CSU Campus, Baltimore, MD | 2025 |
| Excellence in Entrepreneurial Learning (EXCEL) Research Project | A project focusing on improving youth entrepreneurship conditions in Baltimore. | CSU Campus, Baltimore, MD | 2023 |
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