They're encouraging students to become entrepreneurs while meeting the needs of the community.

Brian Nevel, owner and president of Huntingdon County Customs, got his start at the Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, JCEL, a couple years ago.

Nevel's company specializes in metal work.

"They helped me finalize my business plan and seek fund and actually gave me some startup capital," Nevel said.

Four graduates are now running businesses since JCEL started in 2003. Student Entrepreneurs can receive up to $15,000 in capital seed funding.

Students can also rent out space in the JCEL hotel. For $60, they can rent up to 120 hours per month for a workspace to work on their business ideas.

As far as community relations go, students often go out into the surrounding rea to survey residents to make sure their needs are met. They then go to business owners to get them to think how they can help.

"You're creating value y creating a product or service that doesn't already exist," said JCEL Executive Director Nick Felice. "Or you're enhancing a product or delivery system in whatever way is profitable."

To learn more about JCEL, go to: www.jcel.biz.