In Honor of Black History Month

Check out Ashlee Ammons’ Keynote

Revisit our wonderful Enspire Fall Fest session with entrepreneur Ashlee Ammons, co-founder of Mixtroz. Hear Ashlee share her entrepreneurial journey that started in Cleveland as LeBron James’ first intern to her current success as the 37th Black female founder to close $1 million in startup financing. Click here to watch.

Entrepreneurial Mindset of the Month

Empathy: Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes

Courtesy of VentureLab

Entrepreneurs should think about other people’s needs and feelings and keep these in mind when solving a problem. Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business, it’s a way of thinking and doing. These mindsets and skills can be practiced and improved by youth AND adults. Read more about Empathy. Learn about teaching empathy at our YEI Educator Power Hour on February 18.

YEI Program Updates

Order Lemonade Day Workbooks (Print or Online)

Lemonade Day is a free, national program that is a fun way to teach students about entrepreneurship and business though the time-honored tradition of starting and operating a lemonade stand. The Lemonade Day curriculum is appropriate for all ages. This year, we are offering both a print and online version. Click here to request materials. Contact Jessica Dragar with any questions.

Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge Deadline Extended until April 1!

Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge is available this year with enhancements to provide more educator support and a dynamic distance learning experience for those who need it. As in the past, the contest will be open to students to join in all 21 counties of northeast Ohio in grades K-12. Please complete our classroom registration form. New workshops include Zoom-led sessions for your in-person or remote students and options for professional coaching to help your students. Click here to learn more about prizes, rules, and other information. We have extended the deadline for entries until April 1!

Opportunitites for Students

Live Virtual Pitch Event

VentureLab is offering a non-competitive opportunity for youth ages 6-18 to practice pitching and receive encouragement from a panel of entrepreneurs and educators to take their ideas to the next level. Invite friends, family, and the entire community to watch youth display their entrepreneurial mindsets and skills. Click here to register as a participant or audience member. The next opportunity is March 4!

Spring 2021 No Code Hackathon for High School Students

V One, in partnership with the Fowler Center at Case Western Reserve University, is hosting a no code hackathon with up to $500 in prizes. V One is a tool that provides the ability to easily build mobile apps with no coding or technical skills required. Learn more about the event and sign up here. Feel free to share this flyer with your students

Opportunities for Educators

Join us February 18 from 4-5 PM EST for a Power Hour Focused on Empathy

This month’s YEI Educator Power Hour will focus on empathy. Empathy is an important part of the entrepreneurial mindset. Our featured speakers will be Leah Berdysz, founder of Empowered and Poised, and Marisa Matero-Maury, founder of Student Engagement through Creative Storytelling. Both will be sharing activities to assist with emotional learning. Kelli McCorvey, an educator from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District will be providing an educator’s perspective. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Tools, Tips, and Tricks for Teaching Creative Problem Solving Virtually

This workshop on February 11 at 5 PM EST hosted by Creativity and Education will be highly interactive as attendees participate in a virtual creative problem-solving facilitation session using Zoom, Mural, and Google. Learn about best practices for using those technologies and resources in your teaching. Educators will learn how to enhance the interactivity of their classes regardless of discipline. All of the virtual teaching strategies we will share can also be used in traditional face-to-face classrooms. Click here to learn more.

Join National Entrepreneurship Week in K-12 Schools February 13-20

EntreEd and the Kauffman Foundation worked with the 109th Congress to designate the third week of February each year as National Entrepreneurship Week. Learn more about exciting events, lessons, and more here.

Entrepreneurship Education Research and Articles

Implementing Project-Based Learning in Distance Environments

Courtesy of National Inventors Hall of Fame

The National Inventors Hall of Fame recently published a white paper focused on the benefits of project-based learning in distance environments. You can check it out here. More studies and articles about entrepreneurship education are available on the YEI website on our resource page.

Check out the Yummy Brothers Interview on the Drew Barrymore Show

The Yummy Brothers was founded in Atlanta by four kidpreneur brothers that sell cookies and dog treats. Recently, they were on the Drew Barrymore Show talking about their business and how they use some of their profits to help other kidpreneurs! Check it out here.

Have something you’d like us to share or promote? Send newsletter submissions to Matthew Podl and we will include your material if space permits.