Get ready to lead, innovate, and succeed with Change Lab, a hands-on, 2-year program combining accredited courses from Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) with real-world experience. Launch businesses, develop marketing plans, and pitch ideas in Shark Tank-style competitions. Build leadership, financial, and entrepreneurial skills while solving real challenges through work-based learning and community-driven projects. Whether you’re heading to college, starting a career, or launching your own business, Change Lab equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed. If you’re ready to turn ideas into action, Change Lab is your launchpad to success!
Change Lab Course Descriptions
This program features an alternating A Year and B Year curriculum; Juniors and Seniors learn together and complete all listed courses over two years.
A year focuses on students launching a business
B year focuses on skills related to leadership, social good, and professional success.
A Year
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Students will discover the principles of marketing and apply them to real-world projects in this dynamic, hands-on course! Explore key marketing strategies in each unit while collaborating with the Entrepreneurship Lab to create impactful marketing plans for student-run businesses.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
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Students will master the essentials of entrepreneurship by managing a student-run business launching their own venture, and showcasing their ideas in a Shark Tank-style finale. Learn real-world business skills, gain confidence, and draw inspiration from Derek Sivers’ Anything You Want as you turn ideas into action!
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for BA150
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Semester 1
Personal Finance: Students will learn money management through modern and effective personal finance practices and explore deeper insights and bring in respected authors and texts. Gain hands-on experience in a real-life financial simulation while mastering the skills to budget, save, and invest like a pro.
.5 High School CTE Elective Credit
3 MHCC Credits for BA218
Semester 2
Professional Communication: Students will learn effective communication techniques, build confidence, and sharpen their professional presence.
.5 High School CTE Elective Credit
B Year
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Build your future with Change Lab Studio, a course designed to prepare you for your next steps. Semester 1 focuses on college and career prep, guided by the transformative principles discussed by modern authors. In Semester 2, gain hands-on experience with work-based learning, applying your skills in real-world settings. Align your studies with Oregon's SB3 standards and start shaping your path to success!
.5 Higher Education & Career Path Skills Credit (Semester 1)
.5 CTE Credit (Semester 2)
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Students will dive into the world of business in this introductory course that covers everything from marketing and management to ethics and financials. Gain real-world insights through local partnership and explore how real businesses are successful up-close. Build an entrepreneurial mindset and discover the essentials of success.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for BA101
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Semester 1
Social Entrepreneurship explores how to apply business principles to create meaningful social impact, focusing on nonprofit development, sustainable solutions, and organizations that prioritize equity and community well-being.
.5 High School CTE Elective Credit
Semester 2
Brand Management: Students will explore the Five Pillars of brand management, from social networking to building a standout LinkedIn profile. Students will learn to craft memorable brands that leave a lasting impression.
.5 High School CTE Elective Credit
Meet the Team
Hey there, I’m Haley Lewis—a proud CAL parent first and foremost! Both of my kids graduated from CAL, which is how I first got involved. I started as a business partner, mentoring student interns each summer, then joined the CAL executive board for two years before jumping into the classroom as the instructor and department head for ChangeLab.
By trade, I’m a graphic designer (BFA from BYU) and a serial entrepreneur—I’ve started nine businesses, climbed the corporate ladder, founded two nonprofits, and built a real estate investment portfolio that gives me passive income in semi-retirement. Now, I’m here to give back and share all the things I wish I had known when starting my own businesses!