$50,000 and a chance to put his skills to work on a real smartphone app. For JP, the lure was too attractive to resist.

JP Leroux, currently finishing a double major in Finance and Entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s, already loved the hands-on nature of his program. But he was blown away when he was selected to participate in Next36’s prestigious competition.

“I was so excited and honoured to have been considered one of the most entrepreneurial students in Canada,” he says. “Each candidate is assigned a team, and given $50k, cell phones, tools, and mentors.” The teams are then put to work developing a smartphone app, and bringing it to market.

JP credits Saint Mary’s with helping prepare him for such a challenge. “My Major in Entrepreneurship allows me to create a real business while I’m still in school, and get real-world experience. Plus, most of my professors know me at Saint Mary’s, and have helped me with projects throughout my three years.”

A head start on a career, and an app in his pocket to boot. Wondering where JP netted out? Electriccourage.com. Check it out.