VentureLab is proud to celebrate Liz’s accomplishments by awarding her the status of a VentureLab Certified Advocate for her contribution to the youth entrepreneurship movement by connecting youth organizations to VentureLab’s Entre + Ag Program, sharing her experience with other educators, and growing the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ohio and around the nation.
Connecting and Convening
Liz has dedicated her career to enhancing afterschool education, particularly in the area of youth entrepreneurship. Through her work with organizations like the Ohio After School Network and the Young Entrepreneur Institute, she has played a key role in preparing young people for future success.
She recognizes that afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to reach students who might not otherwise have access to entrepreneurial education. Her commitment to this work comes from a deep belief that education should empower students with the skills they need to succeed in any career or life path they choose.
"Teaching kids to think critically and adapt to changes prepares them for all aspects of life, not just starting a business.”
Linking Classrooms to Community
A key aspect of Liz’s work has been promoting youth entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainability and community engagement. She sees entrepreneurship education as more than just business training—it’s about fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that includes creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
By incorporating live pitch contests and hands-on challenges, afterschool programs can bring in community members as mentors, judges, and guest speakers, helping students connect with local professionals in meaningful ways. She encourages afterschool programs, particularly those funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers, to integrate entrepreneurship education into their offerings as a way to strengthen their programs and build sustainability. Liz has seen firsthand how afterschool programs can attract media attention, engage families, and create lasting relationships with local businesses, further solidifying their value in the community.
An Advocate for Positive Youth Development
Through her work, Liz Nusken has significantly impacted afterschool education, championing youth entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for student and program success. By advocating for quality youth entrepreneurship, she is helping to shape the next generation of innovative thinkers and empathetic problem-solvers. Her dedication to expanding access to entrepreneurship education ensures that all students—regardless of who they are or where they’re from—have the opportunity to develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Join the VentureLab Certified Community
Are you passionate about empowering youth and transforming education through entrepreneurial learning? VentureLab is cultivating a certified community of educators and advocates committed to making an impact. Discover how you can become involved and join the movement!
Want to learn how you can bring entrepreneurial learning to your community, contact VentureLab’s Director of Education, Scott Mann.
