2022 Impact

In 2022, we exceeded a cumulative 777K students, educators, caregivers and community members impacted by our entrepreneur programs and curriculum.

Infographic highlighting that over 211,000 students and more than 1,100 schools and organizations use the VentureLab youth entrepreneurship education curriculum, with icons representing buildings and groups of people.
Text reads, "All the mindsets to entrepreneurial learning can apply to every facet of life and give youth a broader scope of interests and ways to grow in a variety of areas! Enrolling in a k12 entrepreneur curriculum further enhances their development.
Image shows the text "21 Spark Program Graduates" with 21 graduation cap icons arranged in rows below the text. The background is blue, highlighting the success of youth entrepreneurship education.
An image with the text “13,000+ educators, caregivers, and community members” accompanied by illustrated avatars of three people: a woman with glasses, a bearded man, and a woman with curly hair. Highlighting the impact of youth entrepreneurship education.
A world map with numerous colored markers indicating locations of various points of interest, highlighting hubs known for youth entrepreneurship education scattered across all continents.

Click image to open interactive map

Yellow background with blue text reading "155+ countries have downloaded VentureLab's K12 entrepreneur curriculum, plus all 50 US states." To the right, an icon of the U.S. flag with text "50 states" on it.

These kids mean business!! In 2022 we helped 21 kids through our Spark Mentorship Program!

2022 Graduates of the VentureLab Spark Startup Materials & ESTEAM® Mentorship & Materials Program (“Cohort 7”).
(Click images to enlarge)

  • A young person named Madison, age 17, holding a pillow with the word "EFFORTLESSLY" on it. The text highlights their startup, Effortlessly You, aimed at promoting self-love, showcasing the power of youth entrepreneurship education. VentureLab branding is visible.
  • A promotional card introduces Kellee, a 14-year-old founder of Kellee's Little Things, focusing on affordable, customizable jewelry that allows for personal expression. Highlighting youth entrepreneurship education, the VentureLab Spark Startup logo is visible.
  • A profile image of Kartik, age 16, participating in the VentureLab Spark Startup program, a keystone in youth entrepreneurship education. He is engaged in data collection and research for his business venture focused on targeted cancer therapy.
  • A sign for VentureLab highlights a 13-year-old named Josh, founder of "Jam by Josh." It describes the jam as delicious, homemade, and packed with fresh ingredients. Through entrepreneurship education at VentureLab, Josh views cooking as an art form.
  • Isabella, age 12, stands near the bushes in a red dress, holding a pink purse. As the founder of Inch by Inch, she addresses fabric waste and saves money with fabric extenders. Her success story is an inspiring example of youth entrepreneurship education in action.
  • A 17-year-old named Ethan works on a laptop, highlighted by VentureLab Spark Startup. Ethan, driven by his passion for youth entrepreneurship education, founded Malama Hawai'i, which creates an educational game for tourists to protect native Hawaiian species.
  • A young girl proudly holds a drawing describing her startup, "Weed Wars," a weed-pulling service. The text highlights her plans to expand the business and integrate an entrepreneurship education program to teach the service to other students in her city.
  • A flyer titled "VENTURELAB SPARK STARTUP ESTEAM MENTORSHIP & MATERIALS PROGRAM." It features Camille, age 13, founder of Blue Blossom Slimez, and describes her products designed for children with sensory issues. The program emphasizes teaching entrepreneurship to inspire young innovators like Camille.
  • A flyer for VentureLab's Spark Startup program features Brianna, age 16, founder of Studio 27, highlighting her sustainable jewelry line combining art and environmental responsibility. The program underscores the power of youth entrepreneurship education in fostering young visionaries like Brianna.
  • A promotional poster for VentureLab Spark Startup featuring an 11-year-old girl named Ava, founder of Ava's Creations, showcasing her fidget keychains designed for belts, jeans, or backpacks. Highlighting youth entrepreneurship education, this event inspires young minds to innovate and lead.
  • A young boy named TJ, wearing an orange shirt, smiles at the camera while using a laptop. The text highlights his mentorship program, YouTube channel focused on gaming, and the benefits of video games. Additionally, TJ incorporates elements of entrepreneurship education to inspire young minds.
  • A 15-year-old named Noah, founder of NJ Jewelers, poses with handcrafted silverware jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, keychains, and rings at an event focused on youth entrepreneurship education.
  • A young girl named McKenna, age 12, showcases a new bookmark design for Happy Heart Bookmarks in an advertisement for VentureLab Spark Startup Program. The text highlights the bookmark's function and variety while promoting the entrepreneurship education offered through the K12 entrepreneur curriculum.

    • 2022 Youth Pitches

    Empowering students with mindsets for success

    Over the past year, we grew our impact with diverse youth entrepreneurs:

    of our direct delivery participants are girls or students of color
    increase in total reach
    increased participation in our
    Spark Mentorship Program
    learn more about our offerings support our work

    In 2022, VentureLab made it even easier for students to start their own company or pitch their businesses with more free tools!

    A graphic with the text "Interactive Pitch Builder" above a drawing of a lit lightbulb on a blue background, perfect for teaching entrepreneurship to youth.
    An illustration featuring the text "Story Starters" above an open book with images of a hot air balloon, rocket, unicorn, and castle. The background is a blue and orange abstract design, inspiring creativity in K12 entrepreneur curriculum.
    Screenshot of a webpage featuring the "Body Language Game," integrating elements of youth entrepreneurship education with options for body language, tone, and message: "arms crossed," "excited," and "I just read that book twice," respectively.

    What Our Entrepreneurial Youth and Educators told us in 2022:

    Highlights from 2022

    A handwritten thank-you note on white card stock expressing gratitude for help and resources, specifically mentioning mentors Joel and Mark, and thanking the VentureLab for their guidance in youth entrepreneurship education. Signed, "Ethan".

    VentureKid Spotlight

    Having an entrepreneurial mindset means having a vision and driving it forward. Estrella Hernandez built an app to encourage her peers to get more active—using the entrepreneurial process, she transformed her passion for health into a reality!

    Why Youth Entrepreneurship?

    Parents and teachers share the ways K-12 entrepreneurship education has unlocked potential in their kids.

    A person with glasses and dreadlocks is seated in front of a window with partially drawn blinds, wearing a dark hoodie, as they delve into youth entrepreneurship education.

    Entrepreneurial Learning Outside the Classroom

    A student from a non-traditional background shares her transformational experience with youth entrepreneurship education.

    • All of the girls in our program were from socioeconomically disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds. The girls gave us great feedback about their confidence in going out and starting their businesses. Empowering girls to shape their own futures by providing the skills and resources necessary to pursue entrepreneurship is invaluable and we really appreciate the support from VentureLab!
      Julia Racadio
      Never the Less, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

    • Thank you SO MUCH for enabling us to create a brighter for the kids in the Fort Worth Stop 6 area. We are forever grateful that, through your gift, we are empowered to positively impact the children, families, and communities that are typically overlooked.
      Juleon Lewis
      Executive Director of Pura Vida, Fort Worth, TX

    • Using it (VentureLab Topics in Entrepreneurship) for 5 weeks now. I downloaded it, opened it up, starting using and it works! The VentureLab resources and they’re easy to follow! If I can do it, then so can other teachers! Your activities have meat! Other entrepreneurship programs are more like appetizers. VentureLab offers a full course meal. The students are engaged and they’re liking the activities, especially when they get to make things.
      Bill Lindsey
      Entrepreneurship Teacher, Kansas City, MO

    Support our work

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    Working together to spread the entrepreneurial mindset around the world.
    Special thanks to our 2022 sponsors and donors


    2022 partners include:

    Charles Stewart Mott Foundation logo with stylized silver letters "M" at the top and the foundation's name in capital letters below it, reflecting a commitment to youth entrepreneurship education.
    Text reading "Condon Family Foundation" in gray font on a transparent background, supporting youth entrepreneurship education.

    2022 partners include:

    Ana Villegas
    Patty & Matt Schatz
    Matthew Ochsner
    Jeffery Davis & Kathy Holland
    Joy Kelly Emma Cartmell
    Pat Koen

    Elizabeth Gibson
    Dana & Charles Ramos
    Ashley & Dave Endler
    Chris Saum
    Shuronda Robinson