Refreshing Mindsets with Missouri Afterschool Educators: VentureLab at MOSAC

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 only afterschool specific, statewide conference offered in Missouri designed to provide high-quality education, valuable resources, and meaningful connections.

VentureLab was honored to sponsor the 32nd annual MOSAC conference and share best practices as the technical assistant to the Mott 50 State Afterschool Network in youth entrepreneurship. VentureLab led the “Refresh Your Mindset” session alongside Elora Bossert and Rebekah Baumann from Mission St. Louis, offering educators a dedicated 30-minute experience focused on optimism, reflection, and personal goal setting.

30 Minutes Just For You

This session was strategically scheduled at the close of day two of the conference. Educators arrived carrying full schedules, new information, and the responsibility they hold for their students every day. The intention of the session was clear from the start: to show up for your students, you have to show up for yourself.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. The room was jam-packed—every seat was full, extra chairs were pulled in, and people were even sitting on the window sills in the back. It was clear that these education professionals, who spend all their time pouring into their students, needed time to pour into themselves.

Mindset for Educators

The session was a part of VentureLab’s Mindset for Educators Professional Development Program, which provides adults with specific strategies to practice and grow their entrepreneurial thinking. With only 30 minutes, participants focused on the strategies for Growth Mindset and Optimism.

Participants were guided to:

• Understand that growth mindset is a skill that can be practiced and grown
• Set a goal –  personal, professional, or one related to students
• Apply the mindset of optimism to their goals
  

The mindset strategies are intentionally designed to be simple, reflective, and energizing.

From Challenge Statement and Visualizing Success

The session opened with Site Coordinator Elora sharing her personal experience taking VentureLab’s Mindset for Educators PD Program. Her insight into the impact of showing up for and investing in yourself in order to be your best for students was a powerful testimonial.

Participants started by writing down a personal or professional challenge they were facing or a goal they wanted to accomplish. They then applied the first Growth Mindset strategy by simply adding the word ‘yet’ to the end of their challenge statement. Elora and Rebekah moved through the room, offering encouragement and helping participants refine their statements.

“My house is a mess and I want to organize it, but I haven’t done it, yet!”

“I need to spend more time with my family, but I don’t know how to make that happen, yet!”

From there, the group shifted into the second Growth Mindset strategy, Visualizing Success. Participants were asked to imagine the moment of success without worrying about how they would get there. They talked with each other to describe the moment: What it would look like, feel, and sound like, once their goal was achieved?

“I Am” Statements and Celebration

The session closed with public shares. Participants stood and described their visions of future success:

“I am in my basement and all the shelves are organized and there’s room in the middle where I can move around and breathe and my kids can play.”

“I am with my sister in Colorado.”

“I am washing my car and feeling free because I have no car payment on it.”

After each share, the room erupted in applause. Each participant received a VentureLab “I am an Entrepreneur” T-shirt as a celebration of their commitment to their own growth.

Certified Educator, Elora

A Moment That Mattered

By the end of the 30 minutes, the transformation was visible. Educators who arrived feeling weighed down by information left refreshed, inspired, and re-centered. The session concluded just as the sun was setting over the lake—a quiet, fitting close to a space that had been intentionally carved out for reflection and renewal.

At MOSAC 2025, VentureLab was proud to help create a moment that reminded educators that their goals, optimism, and growth matter too.

Learn More about Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Educators: