CHARLOTTE STEM ACADEMY

Abstract

Margaret “Carr” Hughes is a stay-at-home mom who is dissatisfied with the summer educational “camp” offerings for her elementary-school age children in the Charlotte, NC area. Hughes joined forces with another mom to create their own program in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. They research possible locations for the program, and decide that Queens University of Charlotte (QU), a centrally located campus just outside of downtown Charlotte would provide the ideal locale. Hughes contacts several Queens employees, and all are enthusiastic about the program, but the quoted price for classroom rentals presents serious budgetary problems, particularly for a start-up program. At this point, Hughes’ partner decides to bow out, and the program is in danger of never getting off the ground. A few days later, Hughes gets a message from one of her contacts at Queens, stating that the university has had second thoughts and is willing to negotiate the facilities rental price, and also wants to discuss the possibility of collaborating with Hughes on the program. Hughes now has to consider whether to move forward as a sole proprietor, to partner with Queens University, or turn the entire program over to Queens, and possibly become an employee of the university.