Holiday SCAMPER Brainstorming Activity
SCAMPER asks students to look at their favorite holiday decoration in a new way. The result: a prototype or model of a new, improved decoration.
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7 Essential Tips for Raising Entrepreneurial Girls 💪
At VentureLab, we believe raising entrepreneurial girls is a powerful catalyst for change. It empowers them to see themselves as innovators and leaders capable of shaping the future, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
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Beyond School Names VentureLab their Partner of the Year!
VentureLab was honored to accept an award from the team at Mission:St. Louis and Beyond School during their MAGICAL Lights On Afterschool event! ✨
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Thankful Turkey and Mindset Feather Printables
Practice entrepreneurial thinking this Thanksgiving with VentureLab’s fun and engaging printables! Our “Mindset Feather” activities are great for kids and families to share what they’re grateful for while learning key entrepreneurial traits. Download the free printables and bring creativity and connection to your Thanksgiving celebration!
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VentureLab at San Antonio Startup Week: Elevating the Next Generation of Founders
VentureLab’s commitment to amplifying youth voice and championing entrepreneurial learning was on full display at San Antonio Startup Week this year. We were thrilled to be a central part of the celebration, presenting five impactful events that bridged the gap between today’s thriving startup community and the young founders of tomorrow.
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Halloween Story Starters
Let’s get those creative juices flowing and spark the kind of entrepreneurial thinking that turns simple ideas into amazing adventures! For this low-prep Halloween activity, simply print, cut out the cards and let the epic tales begin.
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Nebraska Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop Powered by Tanya Crawford, 4-H Educator and VentureLab Certified Educator
VentureLab Certified Educator Tanya Crawford took the stage at GetConnected 2025 to share hands-on activities that promote entrepreneurship and build essential entrepreneurial mindset skills in youth, such as empathy, resiliency, confidence, and problem-solving. Attendees—including program leaders, afterschool staff, and teachers—received free activity guides and follow-up technical assistance to aid immediate implementation in their afterschool and summer learning programs.
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New Avenue VentureLab: A Summer Camp That Empowers Young Innovators
Program Summary Length: 8 weeks Setting: Summer Camp Location: St. Louis, MO Ages: K – 8th graders Resource: ESTEAM Design Challenge & Idea to Pitch program Culminating Event: Pitch Event New Avenue Inc. was founded in St. Louis, MO with the vision to help the community learn various forms of life skills used to become…
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Empowering Youth Artisans through Entrepreneurship: Craft Lake City’s Program for the DIY Fest Kid Row Market
VentureLab’s Spark Mentorship and Materials program was used during two 4 week-long programs for students in grades 3rd through 12th. Students set SMART Goals, learned from local artisans and participated in Craft Lake City’s Kid Row at their Annual DIY Fest. Utah Afterschool Network identified Craft Lake City to lead the program at the Salt Lake City Public Library.
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Meet Peter Gioia, a VentureLab Certified Educator in St. Louis
VentureLab celebrates Peter Gioia, CAPSA Manager at Mission: St. Louis Beyond School, whose passion for youth development is transforming lives through entrepreneurship education. From sparking creativity in hesitant students to inspiring persistence in young innovators like Timothy, Peter exemplifies the power of VentureLab programs and mindsets to prepare youth for success in school, career, and life.
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Together for Youth: Celebrating Afterschool, Supporting What Works
VentureLab fully backs the release of $1.3 billion in 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding—restoring vital after-school and summer enrichment across 10,000+ U.S. programs. Our ESTEAM® curriculum (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) directly fuels those opportunities by fueling hands-on learning and mentorship. We’re committed to ensuring this momentum continues so every youth can access creative, confidence-building programs
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Adapting a VentureLab Activity to Engage Middle Schoolers at Summer Camp
Discover how VentureLab educator Theresa Paterra elevated the Mooz Diner activity for grades 6–8 summer camp—adding pitch, marketing & customer‑service challenges, authentic community judges, and ESTEAM career insights.
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Empowering Youth and Families Through ESTEAM®: VentureLab at OSTI-CON 2025
VentureLab Certified Educator Johnny Rochell took the stage at OSTI-CON 2025 to share how entrepreneurship and family engagement can spark confidence in youth. His powerful story of a “hoodie moment” moved educators and offered actionable strategies to create similar transformative experiences in out-of-school-time programs.
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VentureLab and Mission St. Louis Featured In The St. Louis American
Beyond School sparks young entrepreneurs! 🌟 K–8 students in St. Louis joined Mission: St. Louis’s 16-week “Beyond School” entrepreneurship program—teaming with VentureLab—pitching ideas like cleaning products and a wellness app to judges on May 8, 2025. This program builds resilience, community focus, and business smarts by helping kids prototype, pitch, and problem-solve in a fun, failure-friendly space.
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YWLA Foundation Hosts Second Annual Girls Summer Entrepreneurship Program
Discover key insights and strategies from GEC 2025 on empowering youth entrepreneurship—real-world examples, inclusive ecosystems, and scaling impact.
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Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025: Youth Entrepreneurship Strategies
Discover key insights and strategies from GEC 2025 on empowering youth entrepreneurship—real-world examples, inclusive ecosystems, and scaling impact.
