This July, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) hosted the Rastelli Entrepreneurship Camp on its Gloucester Campus. Held in the Rastelli Business and Corporate Center, this four-day event offered select South Jersey high school students a unique opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through mentorship and hands-on learning. ​

This July, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) welcomed select South Jersey high school students to its Gloucester Campus for the Rastelli Entrepreneurship Camp—a dynamic, four-day experience designed to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. 

Hosted in the Rastelli Business and Corporate Center, the camp was a collaboration between RCSJ's Business Studies Division and RCSJ Collegiate High School. The program offered students a unique opportunity to explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through mentorship, team-building exercises, interactive panels, and hands-on problem-solving challenges. 

Participating students represented a wide range of schools, including; Clearview, Cornerstone Christian, Crestwood, Delsea, Deptford, Eastern, Gateway, Glassboro, Holy Spirit, Lenape, Paulsboro, Windsor, as well as several homeschooled students. 

Mentorship and inspiration were provided by RCSJ faculty and regional business leaders. Notable guest speakers included: 

• Nicole Carmichael, Delaware Integrated Data System Business Manager, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, and Founder, Abundant Action
• Lauren Rastelli DeMarco, Vice President of Marketing, Rastelli Foods Group, Inc.
• Dr. John Ervin, CEO, Allnet Medical and Allnet Coaching and Consulting LLC
• Jeanette Iversen-Rattle, Executive Director of Design & Marketing, Rowan College of South Jersey
• Danielle Morganti, Associate Professor, Business Studies, Rowan College of South Jersey
• Dr. Renee Post, Executive Director of Communications & Content Strategy, Rowan College of South Jersey, and Founder, Learning Stages
• Alexander Scott, Franchise Owner, Philly Pretzel Factory (Marlton)
• Dr. Robin Weinstein, Academic Dean & Professor, College of Business and Technology, Wilmington University 

Lauren Rastelli DeMarco shared her experience as a panelist: “It was such an energizing and inspiring experience, and I truly enjoyed being part of the panel. I was so impressed by how much the students learned in such a short time—their questions, ideas, and confidence were a true testament to the impact of the program." 

Students also had access to the newly launched Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center, a cutting-edge facility that features a co-working space and a business planning room —giving students the tools to take their ideas from concept to prototype. 

Dr. Dominic Puggi, RCSJ's dean of business studies, shared: “We designed this camp to immerse students in the entrepreneurial mindset from day one—leveraging the new Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center as a hands-on learning hub. Our goal was to help them explore real-world business concepts, develop innovative ideas, and gain the confidence to pitch and, ultimately, pursue their own ventures." 

Jim Celia, assistant dean of business studies, emphasized the students' impact: “Over four days, students developed well-honed and creative business and nonprofit ideas—each team focused on making a difference in society. Their ventures encouraged physical activity and community engagement, connected volunteers to service opportunities, brought entertainment to low-income neighborhoods, supported hospitalized children, and addressed food insecurity in local communities." 

Celia added, “While I was extremely proud of the efforts the students put in to learn the process of entrepreneurship and develop their pitch and brand, I was even more proud of how they chose to address these social issues and managed to form strong bonds with each other during the experience." 

For more information about RCSJ's entrepreneurship opportunities, visit RCSJ.edu/Business or contact Dr. Dominic Puggi at [email protected].​​​​