Originally Published May 23, 2024

Thank You Teachers

As we approach the end of another school year, we want to thank all of the educators that we have had the pleasure to work with. From our Enspire 2023 Conference, through another record-breaking Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge, through all the YIPPEE orders for games and toolkits, and all of the Power Hours in between, we truly appreciate your efforts in bringing the entrepreneurial mindset to your students. We hope you have a wonderful summer break. And, we want to remind you that we’re here all summer long to help with with planning and finding resources. Stay in touch!

For Educators

YIPPEE For Professional Development

Designed in collaboration with the KSU Center for Educational Technology, this program invites K-12 educators to create a lesson plan using resources available on YIPPEE. All participants will earn a certificate of 13 contact hours (free) or the option for a graduate credit ($165 fee). This is a great way for educators to earn credit, plan curriculum for next year, and learn about free entrepreneurship education resources.  Learn more about the program and register here.

Congratulations Pitch Challenge Winners

The 2024 Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge in Ohio had over 1,600 student participants share an incredibly diverse array of great ideas. We are proud to announce that the final winners have been chosen and posted here! You can also check out our YouTube channel to see the finalists from each grade category (K-4, 5-8, 9-12). Thank you again to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge!

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Student Opportunities

Ohio Business Week Summer Camp

Applications for the 35th year of Ohio Business Week summer camp are open! High school students across Ohio have the opportunity to learn and practice their business skills June 16-21. Over 150 students will be inspired in their entrepreneurial journey as they experience six days of college life at Bowling Green State University. The cost for the program, housing, meals, and program items is $499, but financial aid will also be available. Check out the official flyer for more information and prepare your application here.

Young Entrepreneur Market is Open

It’s market season! Student entrepreneurs will be all over Northeast Ohio selling their handmade products this summer.  If you’re nearby, please visit them on Wednesday afternoons at the North Canton Farmers Market, Saturday mornings at Shaker Square, Crocker Park, Willoughby Outdoor Market, Chardon Square, and Hudson Farmers Market, and Sunday mornings at Legacy Village. Learn more about the market program here. Don’t forget to reserve your own market date!

Newpreneurs Pitch Challenge Show

Newpreneurs announced its upcoming groundbreaking debut as a virtual reality show designed to democratize the entrepreneurial journey for entrepreneurs under 25. The show provides a dynamic platform for Gen Z innovators to pitch their ideas via compelling 90-second videos – all in the hopes of securing significant funding of up to $250,000 from a panel of Angel Investors. Learn more about the show and register here!

BUILD’s Design Challenge

BUILD’s Design Challenge empowers students to take action as they work to develop innovative solutions for their communities. Students are guided through the entire design thinking process using their new digital platform. The content was created to empower students nationwide and give them a sense of self-agency. Learn more about the Design Challenge and sign-up here.

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YEI Social Media Bootcamp Recap

YEI hosted our first Social Media Bootcamp this April, featuring Matthew Hribar as lead educator, covering topics such as creating compelling content, identifying your social media strategy, and managing and growing your social media presence. While the content was aimed at student entrepreneurs, there are plenty of lessons to be learned by anyone interested in leveraging the power of social media. Check out all of the recordings on our YouTube channel.

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Blog: Why Teaching Entrepreneurship Matters Beyond Business Ownership

As educators, we’re tasked with preparing our students for the future – a future that is constantly evolving, often in ways that we can’t predict. The question then arises: If my students don’t want to own businesses, why should I teach entrepreneurship? The answer lies not just in the creation of businesses but in fostering a mindset and skillset that are becoming increasingly crucial in current and future job markets. Check out the full blog here!

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Free Resources for Educators Through YIPPEE!

YIPPEE is a grant delivery platform that provides educators access to entrepreneurship education resources for free. All parties involved get a say in what resources reach our students:

• Educators choose the products that work best for them
• Providers decide where and how they want to offer resources
• Sponsors decide how they will direct their support

When all three align, a match is made and educators get a grant – without any paperwork!

Learn what other educators think of YIPPEE here!

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Have an Event or Program to Highlight?

If you have an educator professional development event, useful curriculum, or opportunity for students to engage with the entrepreneurial mindset, please let us know. Feel free to email Evan Yule with any potential features to be included in our future newsletters, we’d love to hear from you!