Welcome to the VentureLab blog, your hub for innovative entrepreneurial education resources and inspiration. Explore engaging ESTEAM articles, discover free educational resources (hands-on activities and downloads) , and get inspired by classroom and individual success stories from our community.
Discover how Mission St. Louis partnered with VentureLab to implement an innovative afterschool entrepreneurship program for K-8 students. Learn how the 15-week Idea to Pitch curriculum culminated in an inspiring pitch contest, boosting students’ confidence, public speaking skills, and interest in STEM fields.
This summer, VentureLab and Saint Louis University (SLU) partnered to create an inspiring entrepreneurship experience for young innovators in St. Louis. Through the Allsup Summer Camp, students engaged in VentureLab’s “Idea to Pitch” program, developing critical entrepreneurial skills, participating in innovation challenges, and presenting their ideas in a pitch competition. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to empowering youth and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs.
VentureLab is excited to announce the launch of our VentureLab Hubs initiative, a strategic expansion of K-12 entrepreneurship programming in key cities across the United States. These Hubs are dynamic centers aimed at fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and skills among youth, creating vibrant ecosystems of innovation and creativity. Currently established in San Antonio, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City, these Hubs build on successful existing programs, supported by dedicated funding and local staff. Join us in empowering the next generation of changemakers and creating a brighter, more innovative future for all.
Discover how a nonprofit agency in Springfield, IL empowers low-income and minority high school students to become entrepreneurs. Through a 17-week afterschool program, underserved students gain skills for successful business models. With VentureLab’s Idea to Pitch program, they improve public speaking and embrace failure. TSP staff drive curiosity and collaboration for engaging STEM learning. The program culminates in a student showcase, and 90% report increased STEM interest.
At VentureLab, we’ve taught entrepreneurial concepts to hundreds of girls—and boys. Our ESTEAM curriculum combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with entrepreneurship, helping students identify needs, create solutions, and take calculated risks. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and confidence, preparing them for future success in STEAM fields. Discover how our programs inspire the next generation of innovative leaders.
When youth are exposed to entrepreneurial thinking, a profound change takes place. They become more aware of opportunities around them, develop powerful problem-solving skills, and improve their abilities to think critically and creatively. VentureLab believes that innovation and discovery happen at the intersection of multiple disciplines- we call it ESTEAM (entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).
Discover VentureLab’s printable Entrepreneurial Mindset Cards. They are a versatile teaching tool designed to spark creativity, resilience, and growth mindset in students of all ages. These cards provide educators with engaging prompts and activities that foster entrepreneurial thinking. Explore the collection and see how you can transform your classroom into an incubator for future innovators.
Join us as we reflect on the success of VentureLab’s Ready, Set, Startup! event, where over $250,000 was raised to support youth entrepreneurship. Highlights included a standout pitch from the Kids Team, featuring their innovative smoothie-making bicycle, which showcased the power of young creativity in entrepreneurship.
Discover the essential steps to planning successful youth entrepreneurship events. From pitch events to business fairs, learn how to create impactful experiences that celebrate student innovation and foster real-world skills.
Join us in celebrating National Mentorship Month with VentureLab’s Spark 2023 Graduates. Explore the transformative journey of young entrepreneurs nurtured through our Spark Startup Materials & ESTEAM® Mentorship Program.
Cirrus Logic’s Women’s Leadership Team joined forces with VentureLab on Giving Tuesday, assembling classroom kits to empower under-resourced communities. Their dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in young minds highlights the impact of community support in education.
Don’t miss VentureLab’s “Ready, Set, Startup!” gala on April 6, 2024, at Atlassian, East Austin. Join us for an evening of community, innovation, and support for youth entrepreneurship education.
Explore Anjana’s journey with VentureLab, a testament to how we’re supporting future leaders. This story exemplifies our commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent, providing them with the skills and confidence to innovate and lead in tomorrow’s business world. Join us in empowering the next generation of changemakers.
VentureLab is dedicated to fostering young innovators like Erin, whose entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of our mission in action. Join us during Global Entrepreneurship Week to support our campaign, aiming to raise $10,000 by December 31st, enhanced by a generous matching challenge from Cirrus Logic. Your donation now counts twice, fueling the entrepreneurial dreams of young minds and securing a future filled with diverse leaders. Help us empower more youth to transform their dreams into tangible successes.
Announcing our Entrepreneurship + Agriculture program, blending ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education with agricultural challenges. This initiative empowers students to tackle local food system issues with an entrepreneurial and STEM-focused approach. Furthermore, educators are equipped with resources and training to inspire the next generation of diverse problem solvers.
VentureLab’s collaboration with BakerRipley in Houston showcases the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship education. Discover how a week-long program ignited passion, confidence, and a renewed interest in business among students, reinforcing the belief that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business—it’s cultivating a mindset for success and innovation.