Students need access to high-quality entrepreneurship education

ASA has entered into a 10-year strategic alliance with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship to increase access to entrepreneurship education to young people in underserved communities

Over the years, the number of students who have expressed interest in entrepreneurship have increased significantly. In fact, a study we conducted at ASA shows that nearly half of Gen Z teens have entrepreneurial ambitions. With the popularity of shows like Shark Tank and a surge in young entrepreneurs making waves on social media in recent years, it’s no wonder young people are increasingly interested in pursuing product and business ideas of their own.

While the path to entrepreneurship can be more unsteady and unsure than more traditional career journeys, it can hold countless rewards for those who choose to pursue it. The fact that entrepreneurship doesn’t have as clear a pathway as other careers (which may require a degree, certification, internship, and apprenticeship) doesn’t mean that learners can’t benefit from entrepreneurship education.

The question is: How can they gain access to it?

Here at ASA, we’re always looking to partner with organizations that strive to introduce career pathways to teens that they might be interested in pursuing — or perhaps pathways that they might not have otherwise considered — including entrepreneurship.

That’s why we’re so thrilled about our new alliance with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the nation’s leading entrepreneurship education organization.

With the goal of promoting entrepreneurship education among youth in rural, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged communities, this 10-year collaboration between ASA and NFTE will increase access to programs, services, and opportunities for middle and high schoolers who may not have the opportunity to enter programs like this due to socioeconomic factors.

In regards to our alliance with NFTE and our continuing goal of encouraging young people to explore their career options, ASA CEO and President Jean Eddy says: “Research shows that access to high-quality entrepreneurship education leads to better career and economic outcomes. ASA is honored to enter into a new strategic alliance with NFTE, as part of our mission to engage many more young people with their future planning through impactful entrepreneurial experiences.”

Likewise, NFTE CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock had this to say about our collaboration: “This partnership enshrines NFTE’s long standing relationship with ASA, a fellow supporter of the power of entrepreneurship education, and aligns our two organizations’ missions to help young people discover who they are and what they love.”

NFTE’s developing curriculum includes a course called Exploring Careers, which exposes students to a broad range of career opportunities to explore. The organization also holds pitch and business plan competition programs, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Plus, students aren’t the only ones who are going to benefit from our work with NFTE. This collaboration will also include funding for professional development for educators, research on the impact of career readiness programming through entrepreneurship education, and will support statewide policies that promote entrepreneurship-related credential and certification programs.

To keep on top of our collaboration with NFTE, and the impact of entrepreneurship education on teens, keep an eye on both of our orgs’ websites and social media channels as well as our monthly newsletter, PivotED!