Introducing the Ross Roeder Institute (RRI) Certificate Program

Shorecrest Preparatory School is pleased to announce the launch of the Ross Roeder Institute (RRI) Certificate in Financial Literacy, Economics, and Entrepreneurship, a new Upper School specialization track that blends rigorous academic study with applied, real-world experience. Designed for students interested in business innovation, the program emphasizes financial literacy, economic understanding, and entrepreneurial thinking to support informed decision-making and innovative solutions.

Program Overview

Students pursuing the RRI Certificate complete a structured sequence of coursework and experiential learning over four years, culminating in a senior capstone experience.

Academic Coursework

Students complete four core business courses and two elective courses aligned with financial literacy, economics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and data analysis. The program is designed to be flexible, encouraging students to integrate business learning with interests in the arts, athletics, humanities, or sciences. Coursework may include offerings such as AP Economics, Business Innovation, Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, statistics, and public speaking.

Warren Workshops

A defining component of the program is participation in four Warren Workshops, four-session intensive experiences held outside of regular class time. These hands-on workshops focus on applied business skills such as negotiation, strategy and game theory, international business, and topical issues including sports, arts, and nonprofit management.

Competition Projects / Capstone Presentation

Students complete two Competition Projects, demonstrating their ability to innovate within an existing organization or develop a new venture. Projects are submitted through nationally recognized programs such as DECA, The Wharton Global High School Investment Challenge, The Diamond Challenge, or the Blue Ocean Competition, and include elements such as market research, financial modeling, strategic planning, and pitch presentations. Using their work from the Competition Projects, students will make a Capstone Presentation to the Shorecrest community demonstrating their learning and real-world application of RRI skills. 

Engagement and Co-Curricular Involvement

Students are expected to remain actively engaged through participation in relevant clubs, collaboration with peers, and interaction with guest speakers and local business leaders. This engagement reinforces the program’s emphasis on applied learning and professional readiness.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students will receive a special endorsement on their Shorecrest diplomas attesting to their work. While RRI coursework and experiences are open to Upper School students, the Class of 2028 will be the first cohort eligible to earn the certificate and diploma seal at graduation.

A Complement to Shorecrest’s Signature Programs

Like the Global Scholars Initiative (GSI) and the STEAM Certificate Program, the RRI Certificate offers a pathway for students to pursue deep, focused study while remaining grounded in Shorecrest’s mission and values. The program supports a wide range of interests—whether students are drawn to business, the arts, athletics, or civic leadership—and reinforces Shorecrest’s commitment to preparing graduates who are thoughtful, capable, and ready to lead.

With the addition of the RRI Certificate, Shorecrest continues to expand meaningful opportunities that empower students to graduate with both academic distinction and practical, future-ready skills.