VentureLab served as room captains and mentors for K-4 teams at the Mott Million Dollar Challenge. Here’s what we saw, and what it taught us about entrepreneurial mindset in early elementary classrooms.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is exactly the kind of opportunity that brings that mission to life in a visible, meaningful way.
Most schools are already asking the same question: How do we prepare students for a world that keeps changing faster than our curriculum can keep up?
We were thrilled to join OST Leaders and program directors from across Missouri and Kansas at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center to provide hands-on strategies for building an entrepreneurial “climate” within their programs.
Traditional brainstorming often favors the loudest voices and settles for the first “good” idea. To foster true innovation, move from generating ideas to growing them.
Bringing Learning to Life Through Workshops at NMOST’s 2026 Spring Into Summer Conference We had a fantastic time connecting with educators and program leaders at the NMOST’s Spring into Summer Conference, hosted by the New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network. This annual gathering brings together out-of-school time (OST) professionals and advocates from across New Mexico to…
VentureLab was honored to lead two interactive sessions at UAN’s 2026 Northern Recharge focused on cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets in youth and the educators who serve them.
Activating Discovery Mode Through Playful, Creative Problem-Solving 6 Entrepreneurial Brain Breaks to Turn On Discovery Mode and Reset Learning: One of the world’s most iconic toys of all time wasn’t born in a boardroom or from data crunching — it emerged from simple, playful moments of observation. While away from her busy role as Mattel…
The Power Skill For Idea Generation Our Empathy Activation Cards are designed to nurture the crucial empathy mindset. By prioritizing empathy, we empower students to move beyond surface-level brainstorming and generate solutions rooted in real-world impact. When students lead with this human-centered mindset, they don’t just “invent”—they solve. It is the essential bridge between a…
VentureLab is thrilled to help spread the word about the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, a once in a lifetime national pitch competition for kids and teens in grades K–12.
Every year, afterschool professionals from across Missouri gather for Missouri Afterschool Network’s (MASN) annual event that is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and find a sense of belonging. The Missouri AfterSchool Network brings together program directors, coordinators, and direct service staff to the annual Missouri School Age Conference (MOSAC). The…
ESTEAM® serves as the ultimate Creative Career Bridge.
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!
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.
VentureLab is proud to celebrate Erin’ Malone’s accomplishments by awarding her the status of a VentureLab Certified Advocate for her contribution to the youth entrepreneurship movement by growing partnerships and youth development opportunities, sharing her experience with other educators, growing her mindset in the VentureLab Mindset for Educators Program, and advocating on behalf of youth…
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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