About the program:
With the Spark Mentorship Program, students grow an existing business idea.
The program is ideal for ages 8 to 24
Recommended for: Outside School Time – OST (afterschool, camps, summer, 21st Century Community Learning Centers – CCLC), extended learning, existing STEM programs, any enrichment and supplementary programs
Who is Spark For?
- Existing Programs: Spark is tailored for organizations, schools, and programs that already have a youth entrepreneurship initiative in place and are looking to take their students’ entrepreneurial skills to the next level.
- Program Enhancement: The program provides mentorship, advanced materials, and resources to deepen the impact of your current entrepreneurship curriculum, helping students refine their business ideas and entrepreneurial mindsets.
What Spark Offers:
- Mentorship: Connects students with experienced mentors to guide them through the entrepreneurial process.
- Advanced Resources: Provides specialized materials and activities to enhance existing programs.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with industry professionals and subject matter experts.
- Culminating Events: Supports the organization of pitch events and showcases to highlight student achievements.
Focusing on Enhancing Existing Programs:
If you are looking to start a new youth entrepreneurship program, we recommend exploring our Idea to Pitch program, which is designed to help educators and organizations establish foundational entrepreneurship education for students.
By focusing on enhancing existing programs, Spark ensures that students receive the most impactful and advanced entrepreneurial education possible, building on the solid foundation already in place.
The Spark Mentorship program consists of:
Students attend structured mentoring sessions with guided activities to practice entrepreneurial mindsets and set SMART Goals to support their business.
Opportunities to speak to real entrepreneurs and subject matter experts about their ideas and mindsets.
Program culminates in an event where students can share and showcase their business, reflect on their experience and share their goals moving forward.
Curriculum
The Spark Mentorship Program includes time with VentureLab to create a custom and flexible curriculum.
Student Journal (printed or digital)
This contains the student facing resources for the program. The print version contains all the session outlines & optional activities. In the digital guide, session links are also provided as "stand alone".
Digital Mentor Guide
This contains a program overview, resource links to student materials, mentor session outlines.
Spark Mentorship Notes Spreadsheet:
This resource is where you can keep track of important dates, student notes and materials.
Professional Development
Mentors are provided with:
Training: 2 hours and virtual, unlimited seating
Scheduling: Custom schedule to fit your needs
Coaching: Up to four 60-minute coaching sessions during the program
"I would like to send my appreciation for the opportunity to be involved in VentureLabs Entrepreneur Startup Program! I learned many valuable lessons from the content, tools and mentor provided... I'd like to send my gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in creating this program and would definitely recommend this to other youth who want to step into their power and knowledge!"
Bring Spark to Your Youth
If you have an existing youth entrepreneurship program and are interested in bringing Spark to your students, please fill out the contact form below to get started.
Our team will be in touch to discuss how Spark can elevate your program and provide the support you need to inspire the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers.