This week, I got a super-cool e-mail from the JuiceBox Jungle network (see their banner ad to the right–you can vote on some really fun issues.), informing me about the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE),which I had never heard of before. But now, I am so glad I have.
The NFTE is an organization that through education helps students from low-income families build skills and “unlock their entrepreneurial creativity”. According to their website since 1987, the NFTE has helped “more than 280,000 young people, and currently has programs in 21 states and 12 countries. NFTE has more than 1,500 active Certified Entrepreneurship Teachers and is continually improving its innovative entrepreneurship curriculum.” The way they try to reach their goals is by creating engaging curricula and tools, training and supporting teachers and youth leaders, partnering with schools and community-based organizations, recruiting volunteers, linking the educational and business worlds, providing services to program graduates, and building public awareness.
Success stories are showcased on their website such as high school senior Kimberly A. from South Carolina who started iCare Magazine, written by local teens who want to showcase their talent. She has plans to attend college in the fall. There’s also Avingston A., 17, from Los Angeles, who started the business Scrump-Didly-Umptous. This business is all about those yummy buffalo wings–complete with secret sauce. Avingston says, “My business will make a difference in the community; it will provide jobs and a safe place for teenagers to spend time.” You can read more success stories here.
Currently, NFTE is trying to win one million dollars in the Sam’s Club Giving Made Simple Campaign! Here’s what NFTE says about this program: “From April 8th to May 2nd, Sam’s Club members can log on to samsclub.com/giving once a day and cast their vote for NFTE as part of the Giving Made Simple Campaign. At the end of the campaign, one winner in the youth education category and one winner in the entrepreneurship category will be awarded $1 million! Look for NFTE in the youth education section.” So, if you are a Sam’s Club member, you can help out this organization that is busy empowering our youth and teaching them how to prepare for their future. If you aren’t a Sam’s Club member, you can still help by tweeting about the opportunity or telling your friends on Facebook.
If you are interested in starting a NFTE program in your community, there’s information on the website about this, also. You can start a program in your area if you work with teens or you can check out if your area already has a program office here. Here’s a book some teens might enjoy if they have that business-savvy spirit. This book has real-life examples of teens who have had success in the business world.
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