High school students launch car washing business

Prairie Phoenix Academy junior Damien Gallegos is not your average high school student. Instead of spending his free time playing video games or hanging out with friends, Gallegos has taken on the role of a young entrepreneur by starting his own car washing business called Splash N’ Dash.

Operating out of the Prairie Phoenix Academy in Sun Prairie, Gallegos and his classmates wash two cars a day after school, with all the money made going directly back to the students. The business was developed in collaboration with the nonprofit organization CEOs of Tomorrow, which aims to inspire youth to transform the world through business solutions.

Dr. Roxie Hentz, the founder of CEOs of Tomorrow, explained that the entrepreneur classes offered at the academy give students the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and advertising – all essential skills for launching a successful business.

Gallegos shared that building Splash N’ Dash has not only taught him valuable business skills but has also created a sense of community among his classmates. He hopes to use the skills he has learned to further his career and help others in the future.

With the success of Splash N’ Dash, the business is now entering its second semester, proving that with hard work and determination, even high school students can make a positive impact in their community.