BASE Demo Day Profile: Zeke Jackson, People for PSEO

Young man in a blue jacket and red shirt and a tie smiling in front of a university building
by Jolynn La
 
 
Eight aspiring student entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas for tech-based startups at the BASE Demo Day in the lower level of Walter Library on Thursday, July 27. Demo Day is an opportunity for students to bring forward their visions for a new product, process or business model, and get feedback from faculty and tech experts in real time.

This week we're offering snapshots of some of the students pitching their concepts at Demo Day. One of them is Zeke Jackson, who is pitching People for PSEO.
 
Zeke describes People for PSEO as "a nonprofit organization that promotes, defends, and expands opportunities for high school students to participate in the PSEO (post-secondary enrollment options) program.”
 
We asked Zeke a few questions about his background and his concept, and he was kind enough to reply.

 

Q: Can you tell me about your background?

A: Both of my parents are social workers who raised me in central Minnesota. I graduated from Little Falls Community High School in 2019 and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Political Science. This is perfect for my work at People for PSEO as a nonprofit raising awareness and readiness for a Minnesota state law, the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which lets high school students earn 2+ years of free college credits before graduating from high school. 

Q: What was the inspiration behind the idea for your company?

A: I was among the first people to join the organization, first as a volunteer, after my high school told me that I couldn't attend prom due to my PSEO enrollment. This event caused me to realize the degree to which Minnesota students, families, and educators were confused about what the PSEO program is and how it can be used, and motivated me to ensure that other students didn't have the same experience I did. 

Q: How does your company differentiate itself from existing companies in your industry?

A: There are many organizations that focus on supporting the markets for multiple forms of dual credit. People for PSEO differentiates itself from them by focusing our time primarily on the PSEO program, instead of on multiple forms of dual credit. As a grassroots nonprofit, we are more concerned with advocacy, conducting informational outreach campaigns to students and families, and creating a support network of current and former PSEO students. 

Q: What are the future plans and next steps for your company?

A: Right now, we are working hard to plan our marketing campaigns for the upcoming school year. We are heavily reliant on grants and donations, so a major step for us is to test and pursue a more sustainable business model. We are currently articulating and testing these options, so we are at a pretty critical point in our business development. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to highlight about your company?

A: We are proud to be a very young organization: 50% of our Board of Directors is under the age of 29. We are for the students, by the students!

BASE Demo Day happens Thursday, July 27 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Toaster Innovation Hub. All are welcome to watch entrepreneurs pitch their startups and get feedback from the panel of faculty and industry experts.

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