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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Discover key insights and strategies from GEC 2025 on empowering youth entrepreneurship—real-world examples, inclusive ecosystems, and scaling impact.
Discover key insights and strategies from GEC 2025 on empowering youth entrepreneurship—real-world examples, inclusive ecosystems, and scaling impact.
Discover how VentureLab and Mission: St. Louis partnered on a 16-week after-school Idea to Pitch® Program, empowering 40+ students to prototype and pitch business ideas at a May 2025 youth entrepreneurship event.
Celebrate VentureLab alumni featured in Kelli Peterson’s Gen Z Teens Take Action book and discover how our ESTEAM® framework empowers youth innovation.
Dell Technologies volunteers came together to assemble VentureLab Program Activation Kits, helping bring entrepreneurship education to students across the U.S. Their support empowers educators and inspires youth innovation—one kit at a time.
Discover how Liz Nusken is transforming afterschool programs by integrating entrepreneurship education, fostering innovation, and building sustainable community partnerships.
We’re on a mission to create the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers by making entrepreneurship education accessible to ALL youth.
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