At VentureLab, we believe that entrepreneurial thinking—fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and creative problem-solving—knows no bounds. Today, we’re especially proud to celebrate the extraordinary leadership of Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool and expanded learning intermediary under the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. Their work exemplifies how nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and innovation can transform out-of-school time education—sparking ripple effects felt statewide and beyond.
Nurturing Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Nebraska
For nearly two decades, Beyond School Bells has built partnerships that have led to policy and actions at state and local levels resulting in more and higher quality ELO programs for Nebraska youth. A pillar of this work is to increase quality youth programming,, community collaborations, and professional development opportunities across Nebraska. Via innovative STEM programming, targeted mini-grants, and a commitment to serving rural communities, they’ve brought engaging, hands-on learning experiences to thousands of young people.
But with the introduction of VentureLab’s entrepreneurial mindset framework, Beyond School Bells took another significant leap forward. As Jeff Cole, longtime Network Lead for Beyond School Bells, explains:
“But as we started our relationship with VentureLab, you know, it really created an opportunity, I think, for us to have… a common rootedness in some of the mindsets that are particularly important for entrepreneurship. That was I think a big, you know, element of our partnership with VentureLab.”
By embracing entrepreneurial mindsets—like courage, opportunity seeking, and persistence—Beyond School Bells bolstered their efforts to help Nebraska’s youth see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers. These mindsets encourage learners to think creatively, take risks, iterate on their ideas, and persevere through challenges.
Inspiring Educators, Communities, and the Organization Itself
Beyond School Bells’ transformation didn’t stop with students; they internalized entrepreneurial thinking to strengthen their own organization. They grew more adept at spotting opportunities, forging new partnerships, and evolving their offerings to meet Nebraska’s ever-changing needs. As Cole notes:
“But, you know, honestly, Sandy, for me, the biggest impact of entrepreneurship in Nebraska has been the entrepreneurship within Beyond School Bells. We not only… promoted or continued to promote entrepreneurial mindset in the young people, but we increasingly tried to do that ourselves and have really evolved into an organization that… uses that innovation in an entrepreneurial way to advance our mission.”
This mindset shift made way for groundbreaking projects like the Think, Make, Create (TMC) Labs, mobile makerspaces designed to bring STEM and hands-on learning directly to communities. These labs have inspired learners across Nebraska and beyond, even reaching partners in Idaho and as far as Taiwan—demonstrating the incredible power of entrepreneurial thinking to transcend borders.
Meanwhile, partnerships with organizations like Nebraska Extension and the Mott Foundation have enabled Beyond School Bells to weave entrepreneurial mindsets deeper into the fabric of afterschool education. By connecting with 4-H educators and other community leaders, they’re ensuring that these innovative approaches are sustained, scaled, and celebrated across diverse regions.
Building a Statewide Culture of Innovation
From engaging rural learners to empowering educators, Beyond School Bells has shown how entrepreneurial frameworks enrich expanded learning opportunities. Their work illustrates that mindsets matter: When children and teens view challenges as opportunities, when teachers approach learning with creativity, and when entire organizations embrace experimentation and growth, the result is a culture of innovation that benefits everyone.
By working closely with VentureLab, Beyond School Bells has become a beacon of entrepreneurial education success. Their journey proves that through purposeful collaboration and an unwavering belief in learners’ potential, we can revolutionize how we think about out-of-school time—and spark a lifelong passion for innovation in the next generation.
As Cole sums up:
“…the biggest impact really has been on us and the mindset shift that we’ve had in terms of thinking about our role and the value add we provide to the state is really an innovation.”
Join the Movement
Beyond School Bells’ leadership shows what’s possible when organizations embrace the power of entrepreneurial thinking. At VentureLab, we’re proud to partner with them and other visionary organizations that see education not as a static system, but as a dynamic space where curiosity and creativity thrive.
Are you ready to follow in their footsteps and transform your organization and educational programming through entrepreneurial learning? Connect with VentureLab to learn how our resources, training, and support can help you spark innovation, confidence, and lasting change—no matter where you call home.
Get Involved with VentureLab Today
Learn more about VentureLab’s offerings, explore our entrepreneurial mindset resources, and discover how we can work together to cultivate resilient, empowered youth who can shape tomorrow’s world.
