Membership Types
SMSD prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs by providing networking and collaboration opportunities.
Join a committee to connect with other SMSD students while making an even more significant contribution to the Student Chamber of Commerce.
Step up your involvement by leading a Student Chamber committee and running for governing office.
Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD)
The Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) is providing Real World Learning opportunities for students as outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan. Real World Learning opportunities prepare students for college and careers. SMSD along with more than 30 school districts in our region have partnered with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to better prepare students for learning and work. Real World Learning thrives when the community and schools collaborate to provide immersive experiences for students while building a pipeline for future talent.
Partner with Businesses and Industries
A critical component of Real World Learning are partnerships with businesses and industries. Entry level opportunities for employers include being a mentor or coach to an individual student or a guest speaker to a class of students in core academic courses. There are also a wide variety of courses under each Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway where business or industry representatives may connect with students to share business or industry knowledge and opportunities.
SMSD R&D Forum Pitch Competition
Each April, this contest gives students a chance to share their ideas for solving a problem and win prize money. The Next Great Idea is a part of the district’s Research and Development Forum (R&D Forum), a district-wide celebration of student innovation and achievement.
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Application information can be found on the SMSD’s R&D Forum webpage. The deadline to apply for the pitch competition is each March. Optional practice sessions with industry mentors will be available for students who apply to compete.
The pitch competition is live-streamed so friends and family can watch and vote as well. The top three awards are $2,500, of which $1,000 is a cash award to be used by the winner to pursue their passion and education, and up to $1,500 will be awarded as a "build it" grant to support making the winner's pitch a reality. A People's Choice category, determined by public voters, will be awarded a $500 prize. There is also be an Idea of Promise award with a prize of $500.​
