What are VentureLab Hubs?
VentureLab Hubs are dynamic regional centers designed to deepen and expand our K-12 entrepreneurship programming in specific cities where we already have a strong presence and dedicated partners on the ground. Currently, we have established Hubs in three key locations:
Each Hub builds upon existing VentureLab programs, leveraging dedicated funding and local staff to nurture relationships within these communities. Our goal is to create robust ecosystems that support and enhance entrepreneurial education through both in-school and afterschool programs.
Key Features of VentureLab Hubs
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- Established Programs: Each Hub builds on VentureLab programs that have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurial skills among K-12 students and educators. Our dedicated education partners are key to VentureLab Hub’s success.
- Dedicated Funding: Secured funding from local partners and sponsors ensures the sustainability and growth of programs within each Hub.
- Local Staff: On-the-ground staff members and volunteers are dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with schools, educators, and community organizations.
- Community Engagement: Hubs actively engage with local communities, including parents, educators, and business leaders, to create a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs.
Our Current Hubs in Action:
San Antonio, Texas
SCHOOL/ORG: Young Woman’s Leadership Academy (YWLA)
VENTURELAB PROGRAM: Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Educators
FUNDING PARTNER: HEB and Geekdom
Recent Highlight: Scott, our Director of Education and Training, led a full day professional development for department heads at Young Women’s Leadership Academy in San Antonio. With 139+ years of collective experience, they completed VentureLab’s Entrepreneurial Mindset Course for Educators and will lead the course with the educators on their team. They received Texas Education Agency approved continuing education credits and access to VentureLab resources so they can lead VentureLab’s Mindset Course with their respective departments.
Other San Antonio Hubs news:
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- KidNation, Inc a community based organization implemented VentureLab’s Idea to Pitch program for 50 students in grades 1-2, 3-5, and 6-12 at their IDEA Judson Branch.
- Adam Rodriguez, SAISD’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, of Cotton Academy used Career Exploration and Innovation with his 8th graders to expand their thinking about what they want to be when they grow up.
St Louis, Missouri
SCHOOL/ORG: Mission: St Louis Beyond School
VENTURELAB PROGRAM: Idea to Pitch
FUNDING PARTNER: C.S. Mott Foundation
Highlights: Christen, our Program Success Manager, visited the three site locations and served on the pitch event panel for Mission: St Louis. Students in grades K-8 from Kairos Academy, Lafayette Preparatory Academy, and St. Louis Language Immersion School developed their entrepreneurial mindsets and skills during 15 sessions. Students had the opportunity to participate in a pitch event that was supported by their families, the Mission St. Louis staff, and local entrepreneurs.
Salt Lake & Davis County, Utah
SCHOOL/ORG: Davis SD After School Learning Program
VENTURELAB PROGRAM: Idea to Pitch
FUNDING PARTNER: Utah State Board of Education – 21st Century Community Learning Center Career Pathway Grant
Highlights: Lindly, our Program Coordinator, conducted in-person training and follow-up site visits for afterschool programs in Davis ISD’s community schools, thanks to our partners at the Utah State Board of Education and the Utah Afterschool Network. At Sunset Elementary, students participated in a Pitch Premiere night where they showcased their business products. They came up with creative and unique ideas that highlighted their passions and solved problems within their sphere of influence. Students created prototypes and filmed pitches, which they watched with their families that night.
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation
By investing in these youth entrepreneurship Hubs, we can deliver more resources and support to build on the incredible momentum already happening in San Antonio, Saint Louis and Salt Lake City. We invite educators, community leaders, and supporters of youth entrepreneurship to join us in this exciting initiative and empower students with the skills and confidence to innovate and lead, creating a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
To learn more about how you can get involved with a VentureLab Hub in your area, fill out the form below or reach out directly to:
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- San Antonio: Monica Garcia – [email protected]
- St. Louis: Christen Rains – [email protected]
- Salt Lake City: Lindly Hernandez – [email protected]
Together, we can inspire the next generation of changemakers and build a brighter, more innovative future for all.
