Letter of Intent
Why Sign?
It can be easy to get lost or go in circles while working toward your goals. This is especially true on the twisting, turning path of entrepreneurship. Though this road can sometimes be lonely, there are companions to be found on the journey.
If you’re looking for someone with whom to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, this is your opportunity. The Letter of Intent Ceremony welcomes students into a community of fellow travelers — the Engler community. This ceremony recognizes an intentional moment — a moment of commitment shared with other like-minded people to embrace the entrepreneurial journey and to mark the first step onto that path.
Just as an athlete signs a document stating his or her commitment to join a team, entrepreneurially-minded people may be invited to formally commit to the mission and Pillars upon which the Engler community was founded.
The pledge is two-fold
It is a commitment to the pursuit of one’s purpose through the art and practice of entrepreneurship.
When someone believes they are ready to make this step, they experience Engler’s Letter of Intent Ceremony.
This is not a mere membership ceremony or a box to be checked. It’s not an honor, privilege or something to put on a resume. Instead, the Letter of Intent Ceremony is the demarcation of a beginning. It’s the day a person acknowledges his or her intention to be involved in, learn from and contribute to a community that shares the idea of entrepreneurship as a vehicle to pursue one’s purpose.
Letter of Intent
I, ____[Name]____, on ____[Date]____, do hereby declare and make known my commitment to developing my capacity as an entrepreneur and to becoming an active member of the Engler community. I pledge to seek the summit and with it the accountability, opportunity and struggles involved. I know that today is only the first step of my journey, but invigorated by the Engler community and strengthened by the Pillars—Aspire, Build, Courage, Grit, Partner and Passion—I commit to the climb.
I acknowledge that success as an entrepreneur is neither a straight line nor a simple task. I recognize that in my pursuit, I will miss the mark, but failure will not be a sign of weakness or an end of my path. Rather, it will serve as a teacher to guide my next attempt. I will become stronger with each experience.
I choose to begin the pursuit of my boldest aspirations. I acknowledge and accept the support of the Engler community and pledge to support others in their pursuit. Emboldened by the Engler community, I pledge to courageously pursue my purpose through the art and practice of entrepreneurship.
Opportunity
Engler is more than a college program. This community consists of men and women of all ages and backgrounds—from high schoolers to adults—who believe in mission-driven entrepreneurship and use it to pursue their goals. Someone signing his or her letter of intent means, “I’m officially all in. I want to do this.” And the Engler community responds, “We’re with you and we support you.”
Growth
Aspiring entrepreneurs choose to sign a letter of intent after they’re familiar with Engler, its community and its values. Once they’ve dipped their toes in the water and are ready to jump in. When or if people make this decision varies. Some make the commitment during Entrepreneurship 101 or shortly afterward. Others wait until later in their undergraduate career or choose not to make the pledge at all, and that’s okay. Entrepreneurship and the Engler ideals do not appeal to everyone. This community might not be what you’re looking for, and you can choose not to opt-in. If the idea of Engler doesn’t stir your heart, it’s best for you and for this community to continue searching for what does.
Choice
If purpose-driven entrepreneurship and its values do strike a chord deep within you, you can decide to keep moving forward. The Letter of Intent Ceremony celebrates the moment a person crosses the line — they’ve bought into the culture and the mission. They’re ready to make the leap. This is not a decision to make out of obligation or to fit in. It’s a benchmark that has been given a ceremonial context to help people commemorate their deliberate and thoughtful choice: to assume responsibility for their future, to champion their own goals and to fully embrace the Engler community.
Embrace
Although entrepreneurship is a wild, confusing ride, it can be a tool to create the life you desire and fulfill the purpose to which you are called. Within a community of fellow travelers, we believe the road is less daunting and the challenges less formidable.
Opportunity
Engler is more than a college program. This community consists of men and women of all ages and backgrounds—from high schoolers to adults—who believe in mission-driven entrepreneurship and use it to pursue their goals. Someone signing his or her letter of intent means, “I’m officially all in. I want to do this.” And the Engler community responds, “We’re with you and we support you.”
Growth
Aspiring entrepreneurs choose to sign a letter of intent after they’re familiar with Engler, its community and its values. Once they’ve dipped their toes in the water and are ready to jump in. When or if people make this decision varies. Some make the commitment during Entrepreneurship 101 or shortly afterward. Others wait until later in their undergraduate career or choose not to make the pledge at all, and that’s okay. Entrepreneurship and the Engler ideals do not appeal to everyone. This community might not be what you’re looking for, and you can choose not to opt-in. If the idea of Engler doesn’t stir your heart, it’s best for you and for this community to continue searching for what does.
Choice
If purpose-driven entrepreneurship and its values do strike a chord deep within you, you can decide to keep moving forward. The Letter of Intent Ceremony celebrates the moment a person crosses the line — they’ve bought into the culture and the mission. They’re ready to make the leap. This is not a decision to make out of obligation or to fit in. It’s a benchmark that has been given a ceremonial context to help people commemorate their deliberate and thoughtful choice: to assume responsibility for their future, to champion their own goals and to fully embrace the Engler community.
Embrace
Although entrepreneurship is a wild, confusing ride, it can be a tool to create the life you desire and fulfill the purpose to which you are called. Within a community of fellow travelers, we believe the road is less daunting and the challenges less formidable.
Want to join our community? We’d love to meet you.
Engler Entrepreneurship Program
LOCATION
DINSDALE LEARNING COMMONS
EAST CAMPUS
1625 N 38TH ST
Lincoln, NE 68583
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