Our Vision
All children understand and experience entrepreneurship, developing the skills and mindset to thrive.
Our Mission
Young Entrepreneur Institute equips K-12 students with an entrepreneurial mindset and skills for the future by:
- Training and supporting educators
- Offering hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students
Our Story
Young Entrepreneur Institute was founded by Greg Malkin at University School in 2006. Greg believed that entrepreneurship education and experience makes subjects such as math and writing more relevant to students. He also recognized that the skills necessary to become an entrepreneur – perseverance, hard work, overcoming failure, problem solving – directly mirror characteristics necessary for success in life.
With the generous support of University School, community foundations, and organizations, YEI expanded beyond University School in 2008. YEI's founding funder, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, helped establish YEI's work outside University School across Northeast Ohio including work on their YIPPEE Exchange platform for educators. The Charles Stuart Mott Foundation in Flint, MI brought YEI on to serve as their "technical assistance" partner for entrepreneurship education as a part of their 50-state Afterschool Network.
Building on the success of our work in Northeast Ohio and with the Mott Foundation’s 50-State Afterschool Network, YEI expanded to Northwest Arkansas with the goal of developing a youth entrepreneurship education ecosystem through the support of the Walton Family Foundation. In partnership with YIPPEE Exchange, YEI offers K-12 educators in Northwest Arkansas access to professional development and a marketplace of mini-grants for their classrooms – all funded by support from the Walton Family Foundation. The resources on YIPPEE are available to educators in Benton and Washington counties at no cost – and without the need for grant applications or reporting.
Since 2006 Young Entrepreneur Institute has developed expertise in youth entrepreneurship education, collaborating with teachers and educational partners to find the programming and resources. As a result, YEI has made a name as a leader in the youth entrepreneurship education space.
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