Program Summary
Length: 11 weeks
Setting: In School
Ages: Lower elementary and upper elementary
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Resource: Idea to Pitch, grades 1-2, 3-5, and 6-12
Culminating Event: In-class Pitch Event
Kid Nation Inc.’s mission is simple, “We are a youth serving nonprofit organization designed to enrich, empower, and engage youth in a fun, safe environment.” Their goals are to help youth get a head start in their careers through exploration and learning, a boost in their academic performance, service projects to develop character and the means to improve college & job applications, and much more.
In the 2023-2024 and the 2024-2025 school year, VentureLab partnered with KidNation, Inc.’s IDEA Judson afterschool campus to bring entrepreneurial learning to their grade K-8 students. The coordinators and over 20 front line staff were provided material kits, training, custom schedules, and on-going coaching to bring VentureLab’s Idea to Pitch Program to their students.
Educator Reflections
“Our staff was engaged and learning, and we learned a lot of valuable information! VentureLab’s program opens the students minds, teaches them new skills, and helps enhance skills they already have.”
Sarah Rodriguez, Site Director, Kid Nation
Educators and adults supporting youth are the most entrepreneurial people we know. They empathize, problem-solve, creatively use resources, and adapt to change.
Through their collaboration with VentureLab, Kid Nation Inc. has seen increases in their students’ entrepreneurial skills, empathy, and creative thinking. Educators have adapted VentureLab’s methodologies, tailoring activities to meet diverse learning styles in a setting with mixed aged groups. In the Idea to Pitch Program, students grow their entrepreneurial mindsets and skills as they apply their passions and strengths to identify opportunities to creatively solve problems, develop their solution into a business, and pitch the idea.
“My favorite part in this entrepreneurship program was getting to meet and share ideas with people that I don’t really know.”
– Kid Nation Student
A Community United for Children’s Success
Embracing the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” Kid Nation Inc. collaborates extensively with parents, educators, and local leaders to create a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and resilience among children in San Antonio.
We are thankful to our San Antonio Advisory Council and local philanthropists who help bring entrepreneurial learning to San Antonio. With their support, a full scholarship for the Idea to Pitch Program was awarded to Kid Naton, Inc which included training, custom schedule, curriculum resources, material kits, ongoing support, and data reporting.
We encourage other people, organizations, and individuals who are passionate about youth development and entrepreneurship to join us in this vital work. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Get Involved with VentureLab
Are you ready to make a difference in youth education in your community? VentureLab offers resources, training, and support to help you implement entrepreneurial learning programs. Visit us at VentureLab’s website to learn more about our partnerships and how you can get involved in this exciting journey.
Together, let’s inspire a world of curious, resilient, and innovative minds! Schedule an exploratory call with Scott Mann, our Director of Education, or contact us about your needs.
