STAR Financial Bank partners with High School Hustle to support student entrepreneurs

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STAR Financial Bank and High School Hustle have announced a new partnership, with STAR serving as the organization’s official bank sponsor in support of its mission to help high school students develop real-world entrepreneurial skills and launch their own businesses.

Based in Indianapolis, High School Hustle is a nonprofit entrepreneurship program that equips students with hands-on business experience while still in high school. Through mentorship, startup funding, and practical learning opportunities, students are encouraged to create and grow businesses that solve problems, serve their communities, and generate revenue.

As part of the partnership, STAR is supporting High School Hustle programming and helping provide prize funding for participating student entrepreneurs. The initiative aligns with STAR’s ongoing commitment to financial education and workforce development, while helping expand access to entrepreneurial opportunities for students across Indiana.

“At STAR, we believe empowering young people with practical financial and business skills can create lasting impact for both students and the communities they serve,” said Scott Bove, EVP of Capital Markets & Commercial Banking at STAR. “High School Hustle gives students the opportunity to think creatively, take initiative, and gain valuable real-world experience at an early age. We are proud to support a program that encourages innovation, confidence, and entrepreneurship among Indiana students.”

Founded in 2022 by entrepreneurs Scott Lingle and Peter SerVaas, High School Hustle was created to help students learn how to start and grow businesses before graduating high school. Students participate in mentorship sessions throughout the school year, receive seed funding to launch their ideas, and operate their businesses over the summer while learning lessons in customer service, problem-solving, leadership, and financial responsibility.

Student businesses vary widely and have included lawn care services, car detailing, thrift reselling, cleaning services, creative ventures, and technology-based concepts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience rather than traditional classroom instruction.

“STAR Financial Bank’s partnership helps us accelerate the next generation of purposeful entrepreneurs and gives our students an Indiana institution that believes in their first real hustle,” said Hunter Beale, Executive Director at High School Hustle.

For more information about High School Hustle, visit highschoolhustle.org.