Meet Blue Ocean Teacher Champions – outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship

In the heart of Michigan, Jassen Dowling of Holt Public Schools is transforming business education by fully embracing the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition. His work demonstrates how integrating the competition into the curriculum can create powerful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom by instilling real-world skills, and creating life-changing opportunities for students.

Dowling’s approach integrates the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition into his curriculum as a core component. Students aren’t simply learning about business—they’re doing it. “Every student in my Business Tech and Entrepreneurship classes is required to complete the Blue Ocean mini-course and submit their 5-minute video for the competition,” says Dowling. “It’s not just theory. They present their ideas in class and also compete in our local entrepreneurship competition.”

“Every student in my Business Tech and Entrepreneurship classes is required to complete the Blue Ocean mini-course and submit their 5-minute video for the competition.” – Jassen Dowling

What sets Dowling’s approach apart is his emphasis on connecting students with the local business community. Each student is paired with a local entrepreneur as a mentor, creating a direct link between classroom learning and the real world. “We have the students contact local entrepreneurs to support their projects,” Dowling explains. “It grounds their ideas in practical insight and shows them what’s possible.”

The Blue Ocean mini-course serves as a foundation for Dowling’s students as they develop their entrepreneurial thinking. “The Blue Ocean Mini-course helps the students prepare for their pitch by giving them an understanding of the business market,” Dowling explains. “It also gives them some background knowledge of how to find your niche in the market and make waves.”

Understanding that public speaking can be intimidating for many students, Dowling has developed a methodical approach to building pitch skills. “We start by completing a personal skill elevator pitch. Then we work with a plan and use the Blue Ocean slide show as a template,” he explains. This progressive approach allows students to build confidence gradually, starting with talking about themselves before moving on to presenting their business ideas. The structure provides security while still allowing for creativity and personalization.

To deepen engagement, Dowling helped organize a 5 Minute Tops entrepreneurship event, where students pitch their businesses to local business leaders. The event was open to the entire school, turning it into a celebration of innovation and community collaboration. “Many of the judges also offer mentorship to help students take their businesses to the next level.”

The proof of Dowling’s impact is evident in his students’ achievements. One of Dowling’s former students launched an upcycling clothing business online, found success selling to a wide customer base, and eventually moved to New York City to expand her brand and created a YouTube channel with a strong following. Her success demonstrates how the skills developed through the Blue Ocean Competition can translate into real-world business ventures.
By blending curriculum, mentorship, and the Blue Ocean Competition, Jassen Dowling is equipping students with the skills and confidence to become the next generation of Blue Ocean entrepreneurs.

The Blue Ocean Teacher Champion program recognizes outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship through value innovation. To learn more about becoming involved, visit our Teacher Resources page.