VentureLab Spark

About the Spark program:

The Spark Mentorship & Materials Program is designed to help youth entrepreneurs grow their existing business ideas. Ideal for ages 8 to 18, Spark is recommended for Outside School Time (OST) programs, including afterschool, camps, summer sessions, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), extended learning, existing STEM programs, and other enrichment and supplementary programs.

  • “I just want to thank you guys one more time for what you are doing for our youth to increase their self esteem, confidence, and speaking skills. … These kids are knocking it out of the park! … These four girls are also having a positive impact on the rest of the kids in SMART! Thank you for all you do.”

    Lisa M., Program Director and Mother, Centralia Missouri

  • “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!”​

    Spark Student

  • The Spark program made me realize that I like to be the person someone can come to when they need a little push forward, and I like meeting and learning from all sorts of new people. ​

    Chloe P., former VentureLab Spark Mentor

  • My favorite part of the program was getting to meet with my mentor. It was so incredibly to have someone believing in you and supporting you as you work toward your goals!

    Ohio Spark Student, 2023

  • The program shaped my identity as an entrepreneur. Through the mindset focus, the way I approached challenges shifted.

    Ohio Spark Student, 2023

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 materials for mentors, 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

  • Advanced Resources: Specialized materials and activities to enhance existing youth entrepreneurship programs.
  • Program Support: VentureLab trains & supports community mentors to support youth entrepreneurs to take steps to grow their business
  • 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.
A collage of 17 people of different ages and backgrounds, smiling or posing for the camera in individual frames, showcasing the spirit behind youth entrepreneurship education.
Bring Spark to Your Classroom

Past Spark Graduates

A flyer for VentureLab's Spark Startup program features Brianna, age 16, founder of Studio 27, highlighting her sustainable jewelry line combining art and environmental responsibility. The program underscores the power of youth entrepreneurship education in fostering young visionaries like Brianna.
A flyer titled "VENTURELAB SPARK STARTUP ESTEAM MENTORSHIP & MATERIALS PROGRAM." It features Camille, age 13, founder of Blue Blossom Slimez, and describes her products designed for children with sensory issues. The program emphasizes teaching entrepreneurship to inspire young innovators like Camille.
A young girl proudly holds a drawing describing her startup, "Weed Wars," a weed-pulling service. The text highlights her plans to expand the business and integrate an entrepreneurship education program to teach the service to other students in her city.
A 17-year-old named Ethan works on a laptop, highlighted by VentureLab Spark Startup. Ethan, driven by his passion for youth entrepreneurship education, founded Malama Hawai'i, which creates an educational game for tourists to protect native Hawaiian species.
Isabella, age 12, stands near the bushes in a red dress, holding a pink purse. As the founder of Inch by Inch, she addresses fabric waste and saves money with fabric extenders. Her success story is an inspiring example of youth entrepreneurship education in action.
A profile image of Kartik, age 16, participating in the VentureLab Spark Startup program, a keystone in youth entrepreneurship education. He is engaged in data collection and research for his business venture focused on targeted cancer therapy.
A sign for VentureLab highlights a 13-year-old named Josh, founder of "Jam by Josh." It describes the jam as delicious, homemade, and packed with fresh ingredients. Through entrepreneurship education at VentureLab, Josh views cooking as an art form.
A promotional card introduces Kellee, a 14-year-old founder of Kellee's Little Things, focusing on affordable, customizable jewelry that allows for personal expression. Highlighting youth entrepreneurship education, the VentureLab Spark Startup logo is visible.
A young person named Madison, age 17, holding a pillow with the word "EFFORTLESSLY" on it. The text highlights their startup, Effortlessly You, aimed at promoting self-love, showcasing the power of youth entrepreneurship education. VentureLab branding is visible.
A young girl named McKenna, age 12, showcases a new bookmark design for Happy Heart Bookmarks in an advertisement for VentureLab Spark Startup Program. The text highlights the bookmark's function and variety while promoting the entrepreneurship education offered through the K12 entrepreneur curriculum.
A 15-year-old named Noah, founder of NJ Jewelers, poses with handcrafted silverware jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, keychains, and rings at an event focused on youth entrepreneurship education.
A young boy named TJ, wearing an orange shirt, smiles at the camera while using a laptop. The text highlights his mentorship program, YouTube channel focused on gaming, and the benefits of video games. Additionally, TJ incorporates elements of entrepreneurship education to inspire young minds.
A promotional poster for VentureLab Spark Startup featuring an 11-year-old girl named Ava, founder of Ava's Creations, showcasing her fidget keychains designed for belts, jeans, or backpacks. Highlighting youth entrepreneurship education, this event inspires young minds to innovate and lead.
A young person, TJ, age 13, sits at a desk with a laptop in front of them. Text indicates TJ is the founder of a YouTube channel named "Gamer," aimed at sharing skills and learning through video games—an impressive example of youth entrepreneurship education in action.
A 15-year-old named Noah, founder of NJ Jewelers, poses with handcrafted silverware jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, keychains, and rings at an event focused on youth entrepreneurship education.

Spark Youth Pitches

Spark Focuses 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.

request program information

Curriculum

The Spark Mentorship Program includes time with VentureLab to create a custom and flexible curriculum. 

A student journal and a mentor session document from the Spark Startup program by VentureLab are shown, highlighting the impact of youth entrepreneurship education.

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”.

Two documents from VentureLab's Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program: a Spark Startup Mentor Guide and a Mentor Session sheet titled "Set Up for Success.

Digital Mentor Guide

This contains a program overview, resource links to student materials, mentor session outlines.

A spreadsheet with rows and columns, featuring bold headers and cells filled with vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green, maps out the vibrant landscape of our Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program, indicating different statuses or categories for budding innovators.

Spark Mentorship Notes Spreadsheet:

This resource is where you can keep track of important dates, student notes and materials.

download curriculum samples

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
request program information

I’m not crying. You’re crying. Thank you VentureLab for providing world-class entrepreneurial education to kids & for allowing me the opportunity to be a mentor. So happy to see these graduation highlights. Our future is brighter because of these kids.

Jason S.

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.

Contact VentureLab to get started:

Frequently Asked Questions about Spark

No. The program recruits adults from the community.

No. The most effective mentors have a background in working with youth in some capacity and understand the principles of positive youth development.