Start Upward Ideator is a 11-week after-school program for high school students ready to take their business ideas to the next level! 💡✨ Building on skills developed in Start Upward Essentials, students will further develop their business idea, test it with real customers, refine their solutions, and prepare to launch. Through hands-on activities, and guidance from mentors and guest speakers, students will gain the confidence and tools to move from concept to action. This program is for high school students.

Feb 18–May 13, 2026 | Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm

If you are interested in learning more about Start Upward Ideator, email veronica@dogreater.org.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

Do Greater and Arts+ are partnering to teach 7th through 10th grade students how to design, make, and sell their own products! Over the course of this afterschool program, students will learn to develop and physically create their own products to sell. The program will end with a pop-up market where family, friends and the community can purchase the students’ designs and handmade items and the students will get to keep all of the revenue they make from their sales!

Feb 18–May 6, 2026  | Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED 

Start Upward Essentials is a 10-week after-school program for teens ready to transform their passions into real-world action! Through hands-on activities, inspiring guest speakers, and creative challenges, students will learn to dream big, take risks, and launch their ideas with confidence.  Program will meet each Mondays, Feb 23 -May 4, 4:00-6:00pm.

Students will leave Start Upward with:

• The skills to start and pitch their business
• Confidence to turn their ideas into reality
• Tools to articulate and refine their vision
• Clear next steps to bring their idea to life

If you are interested in learning more about Start Upward Essentials, email veronica@dogreater.org.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN 

Make for Good is a 11-week, hands-on program for 9th-12th graders who are curious about branding. Students will learn the fundamentals of building a brand, including brand identity, storytelling, social media and marketing.  Students will work in small teams alongside real nonprofit clients to tackle real-world marketing challenges.

The program culminates in a final presentation, where student teams present their branding and social media solutions to nonprofit partners, creatives, and community members—and celebrate the impact of their work. 

Feb 24–May 11, 2026  | Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED 

Lights on. Camera ready. Fit approved. In this two-part workshop, students will step into the world of fashion photography. They’ll style merch, create the vibe, and capture bold, professional-quality images. The workshop is led by Mike Jones, photographer for the Charlotte Hornets. Spots are limited—don’t miss out!

March 10, 2026  | Mondays, 4:00pm

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN 

Get behind the camera and make food look AMAZING! In this two-part hands-on workshop, students will style, frame, and capture mouth-watering photos like a pro—learning lighting, angles, and composition that make every shot pop.

March 24 & March 26, 2026  | Tues & Thurs, 4:00-6:00pm

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN