Sources: PBS.org - These kids Mean Business
USA Today - Workshops Get Kids Started as Entrepreneurs
A lot of kids would like to start their own business of one kind or another but most don't know how. The old thinking figured kids were too young to learn about entrepreneurship, The new thinking sees entrepreneurship as a healthy remedy for classroom boredom, restless energy and high dropout rates. Academic experts suggest, entrepreneurship education has a positive effect on the academic performance of at risk students, as well as affecting their attitude and behavior.
According to a Gallup poll released in January, 43% of students in grades 5-12 want to be entrepreneurs. The popularity to become entrepreneurs comes at a time when the youth unemployment rate is one of the worst on record. January's unemployment rate for ages 16-24 was 17.6%. A far cry from pre-recession levels of 10.9% in January 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many young entrepreneurs say if they don't make their own jobs, no one will. Amy Rosen, CEO of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) wants entrepreneurship taught in schools. She feels if it's not, kids risk dropping out of school for a lack of interest and opportunities.
NFTE is an international non-profit organization, providing entrepreneurship training and education programs to young people from low income urban areas. NFTE provide classroom based programs that inspire young people to stay in school, to recognize business opportunities and to plan for successful futures.
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