It's National Engineer's Week 2015, a time to celebrate the innovation and skill of those in the engineering profession, and to show our youth what you can create and achieve as an engineer!
Many engineers are also entrepreneurs - whether bringing an invention to life as a real product, or working as the technical member of a team, it's very valuable for someone with an engineering background to also understand the entrepreneurial process.
Youth entrepreneurship programs don’t exist just to develop the world’s next generation of business leaders. While many entrepreneurship students do, in fact, go on to start their own companies, that’s not the focal point of these programs by any means. In fact, the biggest benefits of youth entrepreneurship programs are the lessons they teach – the way they transform students’ ways of thinking, creating and, most importantly, approaching their dreams and goals. These lessons are crucial for engineers, artists, and everyone in between!
- It’s ok to have limited resources – One of the biggest lessons children enrolled in our youth entrepreneurship programs learn is that a lack of resources shouldn’t stop you from achieving your goals. Even if you only have $5, there’s a way to use that $5, as well as other resources you have, to meet your goals. All you have to do is use a little creativity and innovation.
- Even kids can make a difference – Young entrepreneurs have started game-changing companies and programs that help people all over the world. For example, Estrella, a VentureLab student, created an app to promote fitness in her community! Youth-led programs have helped educate kids in third-world countries, provided clothing and food to the less fortunate, and even helped animals in need. Learning about these young people teaches other children that they, too, can make a difference in the world.
- No problem is too big – While your child might not be able to solve a problem as widespread as world hunger, a youth entrepreneurship program can show them that there’s at least a way to tackle some facet of the problem. This way, slowly but surely, they can start to make the world a better place for everyone in it.
- Networking is crucial – Most youth programs involve some level of mentorship, usually with a professional or leader from the community. These mentors can help students get internships and secure jobs, provide valuable career guidance, and can even serve as recommendations for college and other opportunities. Our programs show students just how important networking is to overall success.
Want your child to learn these important lessons in VentureLab's youth entrepreneurship programs? Check out our upcoming classes or sign up your child here.
