VentureLab Hubs
VentureLab Hubs are dynamic regional centers designed to expand and deepen K-12 entrepreneurship programming in key cities across the United States. This project’s mission is to foster entrepreneurial mindsets and skills among diverse youth, creating vibrant ecosystems of innovation and creativity.
What are VentureLab Hubs?
VentureLab Hubs are strategically located in cities where we have a strong presence and dedicated partners.
Each VentureLab Hub:
- Builds upon existing VentureLab programs
- Leverages dedicated funding and local staff
- Nurtures relationships within communities
- Supports entrepreneurial education through in-school and afterschool programs
The Why Behind VentureLab Hubs
In an era where a significant portion of children entering primary schools today will likely work in roles that don’t currently exist, it’s crucial to equip young minds with the skills and mindsets necessary to thrive in an uncertain future. VentureLab Hubs are our response to this challenge, designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking and innovation across America.
Research indicates that exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship during childhood can significantly increase a child’s propensity to become an inventor or entrepreneur. However, access to these opportunities is often limited, with children from high-income families being ten times more likely to become inventors due to their exposure to high innovation-rate environments. VentureLab Hubs aim to democratize access to entrepreneurial education, ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, have the chance to develop these critical skills.
Our approach is rooted in the ESTEAM® methodology, which combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through the lens of entrepreneurship. This holistic approach not only prepares students for future careers but also cultivates essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
The impact of our programs is evident. Recent evaluations show that 81-89% of entrepreneurship students and 75% of career exploration students reported significant learning gains. Moreover, approximately three-quarters of students indicated improvements in their entrepreneurial mindsets, self-confidence, and confidence in their abilities.
By establishing Hubs in San Antonio, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City, we are creating ecosystems of innovation that bring together local partners, dedicated funding, and on-the-ground staff. These Hubs serve as catalysts for change, deepening our impact in communities and inspiring the next generation of diverse innovators and problem-solvers.
VentureLab Hubs are not just about teaching entrepreneurship; they are about empowering diverse young people with the mindsets and skills to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to society. As we expand this initiative, we are working towards a future where every child has the opportunity to unleash their innovative potential and become a changemaker in their community.
Key Features of VentureLab Hubs
- Established Programs: Building on proven success in fostering entrepreneurial skills
- Dedicated Funding: Ensuring sustainability and growth
- Local Staff: Building and maintaining relationships with schools and organizations
- Community Engagement: Creating a supportive environment for diverse young entrepreneurs
Our Current Hubs
San Antonio, Texas
- Programs: Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Educators, Idea to Pitch
- Partners: HEB, Geekdom, Young Woman’s Leadership Academy
St. Louis, Missouri
- Programs: Idea to Pitch
- Partners: C.S. Mott Foundation, Mission: St Louis Beyond School
Salt Lake City, Utah
- Programs: Idea to Pitch
- Partners: Utah State Board of Education, Utah Afterschool Network
What educators and students are saying:
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation
We invite educators, community leaders, and supporters of youth entrepreneurship to join our exciting initiative. Together, we can empower students with the skills and confidence to innovate and lead, creating lasting impact in their communities.
Get Involved
Contact our Hub coordinators:
- San Antonio: Monica Garcia – [email protected]
- St. Louis: Christen Rains – [email protected]
- Salt Lake City: Lindly Hernandez – [email protected]
Help us inspire the next generation of changemakers and build a brighter, more innovative future for all.
Latest News from our Hubs:
Students Take Center Stage in New Entrepreneurship Initiative by VentureLab and Saint Louis University
This summer, VentureLab and Saint Louis University (SLU) partnered to create an inspiring entrepreneurship experience for young innovators in St. Louis. Through the Allsup Summer Camp, students engaged in VentureLab’s “Idea to Pitch” program, developing critical entrepreneurial skills, participating in innovation challenges, and presenting their ideas in a pitch competition. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to empowering youth and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Across America with VentureLab Hubs
VentureLab is excited to announce the launch of our VentureLab Hubs initiative, a strategic expansion of K-12 entrepreneurship programming in key cities across the United States. These Hubs are dynamic centers aimed at fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and skills among youth, creating vibrant ecosystems of innovation and creativity. Currently established in San Antonio, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City, these Hubs build on successful existing programs, supported by dedicated funding and local staff. Join us in empowering the next generation of changemakers and creating a brighter, more innovative future for all.