What Is Project ECHO?

Project ECHO hosts an annual Business Plan Competition with UCLA Anderson School of Management and provides start-up and ongoing support to on-campus businesses in high schools in Los Angeles County.

We are unique among organizations that provide business education to K-12 in its emphasis on fostering on-campus businesses. Project ECHO encourages a Hands-On, experiential learning through the development and support of on-campus businesses and integrating modules on new-business creation into career-technology courses.

In survey responses, 98% of students felt that participation in Project ECHO had increased their understanding of business, 94% were more interested in continuing their education, and 88% felt an increased sense of confidence. 83% felt an increased ability to work with others, 80% were better able to handle and manage money, and 73% developed new computer skills.

Project ECHO was founded in 1996 in New York City, and has moved its operations to Los Angeles County. It has run many successful programs in high schools throughout the county, and most recently its program at Santa Monica High School took first place at the SAGE World Cup Competition in Shanghai, China.