Program Summary

Length: 15 weeks
Setting: Afterschool
Ages: Elementary and middle school students
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Resource: VentureLab Idea to Pitch program
Culminating Event: Student pitch contest
Outcome Highlights: Every student improved public speaking, learned to embrace failure, and developed business models.

Mission St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization  in St. Louis, Missouri that takes a multigenerational approach to empowering people. Their programs address critical stages in the cycle of poverty, like high school graduation and recidivism. Beyond School, their educational program, works with elementary through high school students to teach the social, emotional, and academic tools students need to be successful in school and beyond.

Through a 15-week afterschool program that implemented VentureLab’s Idea to Pitch program, students built their entrepreneurial skills and confidence. Mission St. Louis staff and students accomplished so much together!

Educators’ Reflections

“The most exciting part of the [Idea to Pitch] program is being able to give back and inspire the youth who do not have all of the resources. This is all about empowering the success of the youth.“

Peter Gioia – CAPSA Manager

Educators and adults supporting youth are the most entrepreneurial people we know. They empathize, problem-solve, creatively use resources, and adapt to change.

Peter Gioia, CAPSA Manager, exemplified the “Embracing Failure“ mindset, consistently working to overcome challenges and adapt the program to meet the needs of different age groups across three sites.

The educators:

• Focused on prioritizing relationships with students
• Adapted the program to fit different age groups across three sites
• Collaborated with VentureLab for ongoing coaching and support
• Planned and executed a successful pitch event
• Empowered students to take ownership of their learning

Unique Program Features and Real Impact

Peter and his team tailored the program to fit three different sites serving students in grades K through 8:

• St. Louis Language Immersion School
• Kairos Academy
• Lafayette Preparatory Academy

The program ran for 15 weeks, meeting once a week for 45 minutes, allowing for consistent engagement and skill-building throughout the school year.

A key feature of the program’s success was the staff’s dedication to building strong relationships with their students. At each site, staff members invested time in truly connecting with each child, adjusting lessons as needed, and encouraging individual interests. This personalized approach helped fuel the development of students’ unique business ideas and fostered a supportive learning environment.

ESTEAM = Entrepreneurship + STEM

Students experienced significant growth in various areas:

• • Developed business models
  • Learned to embrace failure
  • Improved public speaking skills
  • Increased interest in STEM subjects
  • Enhanced problem-solving abilities
  • Boosted creativity and innovation

ESTEAM integrates Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, preparing students for the future by combining these critical areas of learning.

Culminating Event with the Community

The program culminated in an exciting pitch contest where students showcased their entrepreneurial ideas. Erin Malone, Vice President of Education, and Peter Gioia, CAPSA Manager, orchestrated a memorable inaugural pitch event. They invited Mission St. Louis board members, site coordinators, success coaches, and family members of the participating students.

Students presented their business ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs and educators, fielding questions about their concepts and future plans. The atmosphere was electric as students confidently shared their innovations! Following the pitches, families, educators, and staff mingled over snacks, with live DJ music provided by an after-school club.

The event was a joyous celebration of the students’ remarkable growth and achievements throughout the program, highlighting the transformative power of entrepreneurship education.

Conclusion

This partnership is just one example of how, together, we can inspire and equip the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers. We are excited to continue to expand our reach and foster entrepreneurship education for all youth.

Do you want similar outcomes for your staff and students?

Schedule an exploratory call with Scott Mann, our Director of Education, or contact us about your needs.