On January 14th, VentureLab had the privilege of facilitating a Career Exploration and Innovation Program training for Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CIS Central Texas) and their AmeriCorps members. In the engaging, hands-on workshop, the AmeriCorps members were challenged to practice creativity, discover new ideas, and innovate careers through the lens of entrepreneurship. They will be using what they learned to serve Austin area middle school students who qualify for CIS services.
Bringing the Entrepreneurial Mindset to Classrooms
At VentureLab, we believe that entrepreneurship is about more than starting businesses; it’s a way of thinking. It’s about curiosity, resilience, creativity, and the ability to see challenges as opportunities. These mindsets and skills are especially critical for today’s students as they prepare for an ever-evolving world.
This belief was at the heart of our training session with CIS Central Texas’sAmeriCorps members. Together, we dove into:
- Positive Youth Development Strategies: Participants engaged in activities to create safe spaces for their students to be themselves while practicing and growing entrepreneurial mindsets and skills
- Collaboration Exercises: By working together on entrepreneurial activities, attendees learned how to model risk-taking, vulnerability, and collaboration
- Real-World Applications: We emphasized connecting classroom learning to students’ present reality and future pathways beyond high school into postsecondary and workforce opportunities.
The Power of Collaboration: CIS Central Texas and AmeriCorps
This training was a continuation of the valued partnership between VentureLab and CIS Central Texas. These organizations share a deep commitment to supporting students and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
- CIS Central Texas: With a mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life, their efforts are essential for creating equitable educational opportunities across the Central Texas region.
- AmeriCorps: By mobilizing individuals committed to service, AmeriCorps members make a profound impact in schools and communities nationwide. Their dedication to fostering student success aligns perfectly with VentureLab’s mission to inspire and empower young minds.
Curiosity and Creativity in Action
The training session was brimming with energy and enthusiasm. AmeriCorps members and CIS Central Texas staff fully immersed themselves in VentureLab’s activities and left with:
- Actionable Strategies: A curriculum to guide their interactions with students
- Inspiration: A deeper understanding of how they are entrepreneurial and how to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among their students.
- A Shared Vision: A commitment to creating the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers
Impacting the Next Generation of Changemakers
By equipping educators with entrepreneurial tools, we’re planting seeds that will grow far beyond the classroom. The educators who participated in this training are uniquely positioned to inspire middle schoolers to dream big, think critically, and tackle challenges head-on.
These young learners, in turn, will carry these skills into their future endeavors, becoming the changemakers our world needs. Whether they go on to lead businesses, invent solutions, or drive social change, the entrepreneurial mindset will be their foundation.
Why This Matters
Events like this highlight the importance of partnerships in education. By working together, organizations like VentureLab, CIS Central Texas, and AmeriCorps can create a ripple effect that transforms not just classrooms, but entire communities.
Empowering educators with entrepreneurial mindsets and skills ensures they can nurture innovation and resilience in their students. It’s a vital step in preparing the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to see how CIS Central Texas and AmeriCorps members apply what they’ve learned in their schools. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspire us to continue our mission of democratizing entrepreneurship education.
To our partners at CIS Central Texas and AmeriCorps: thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we’re fostering a brighter, more innovative future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring entrepreneurship education to communities across the globe.
