VentureLab is proud to celebrate Jeremy Manginell, a dedicated educator at SA Youth in San Antonio, Texas, who positively impacts his community through entrepreneurship education. He has earned the status of VentureLab Certified Educator for his contribution to the youth entrepreneurship movement by growing his mindset in the VentureLab Mindset for Educators Program, sharing his experience with other educators, and successfully completing the Idea to Pitch Program Certification.
A Dedicated Educator with a Passion for Youth Development
As the Manager of SA Youth’s SOAR Program, Jeremy oversees a four-month high school diploma recovery initiative. The program not only helps students earn their diplomas but also connects them with post-graduation plans—be it career pathways, certifications, or higher education. The program serves three unique cohorts: co-ed, all-female, and a special cohort for unhoused youth.
Jeremy’s career in education spans over two decades, beginning as a high school English teacher before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. At SA Youth, he’s been instrumental in driving innovation, becoming the organization’s first academic coach and later, the program manager. Among his accolades, Jeremy was named Teacher of the Year at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Worth in both 2007 and 2012—an honor decided by his peers. “It was a great honor to win that award, not once, but twice,” Jeremy shares. During that time he also founded a non-profit after-school boxing program recognized by USA Boxing and the United States National Olympic Committee.
His greatest accomplishment, however, is as a father to his daughter Aubree who, like her father, is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and a high school English teacher.
The Power of Partnerships
Jeremy first connected with VentureLab through SA Youth’s Chief Programming Officer, who introduced the program as a resource to complement their curriculum. VentureLab’s ESTEAM approach, blending entrepreneurship with STEM and the arts, proved to be the perfect fit for SA Youth’s mission of equipping students for life beyond their diplomas.
“Working with VentureLab has really helped us to cover a lot of ground in such a brief time,” says Jeremy. He praises the support provided by VentureLab’s team, particularly Scott Mann, who has consistently been a valuable resource.
“I didn’t see myself as an entrepreneur,” he admits. “But now I see myself differently.
Inspiring Success Story: Jose’s Journey
One of Jeremy’s most inspiring success stories involves Jose, a young man referred to SA Youth by Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, a transitional housing program. At the time, Jose was on the brink of becoming unhoused. Through SA Youth’s application of VentureLab’s Idea to Pitch Program, Jose regained confidence, developed problem-solving skills, and graduated. He is now a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska, with a promising future that includes marriage and a family.
“What VentureLab really helped me to do with Jose was instill the confidence that he could overcome anything he set his mind to,” Jeremy reflects. “He’s one of our great success stories and one of my favorite people in the world.”
The Benefit of Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Skills
Jeremy highlights the uniqueness of VentureLab’s programming in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. He particularly enjoys the “Wacky Inventions” activity, where students collaborate to create and pitch innovative products. “At first, they’re freaked out,” he laughs. “But then I see them work together, and they come up with some truly great ideas.”
Jeremy notes that the program’s focus on adaptability, problem-solving, and courage equips students with essential skills to navigate life’s challenges. “Life, in general, is an entrepreneurial venture,” he says. “When we start to discover those parts of ourselves and apply them to whatever aspect of life we’re facing, it helps us navigate situations successfully.”
Building a Better Community Through Youth Empowerment
Jeremy is passionate about the role VentureLab can play in empowering the city’s youth and transforming the community. “When individuals in a community fail, the community overall has failed. And when we succeed as individuals, the community succeeds.” By investing in programs like VentureLab, Jeremy believes funders and community partners can create a ripple effect of opportunity and growth. Watch Jeremy and others in this video as they highlight the diverse opportunities and challenges within the San Antonio community.
Jeremy’s dedication to his students and his belief in the power of entrepreneurial learning make him a true champion for VentureLab’s mission. His story is a testament to the transformative impact that can occur when young people are given the tools and support to unlock their full potential. VentureLab is proud to stand beside Jeremy and celebrate his achievements as he continues to empower the next generation.
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.
