Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge | Free Professional Development | Entrepreneurship Education Resources + More! YEI December Newsletter
Student Opportunities
Register Your Class for Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge
Educators, it’s time to step up to the plate! Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge helps kids learn creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and presentation skills. Students compete individually or in teams of up to 4 to earn their place in our online showcase. This year’s contest is open for entries from now through Feb. 20, and offers more than $7,500 in prizes. Learn more about our new pitch category prizes! Or, get started now by registering your class.
Teen Accelerate Competition
In partnership with Cleveland Leadership Center’s Accelerate competition, we are excited to present Teen Accelerate: Student Citizens Make Change. If you know of any high school students interested in making a difference in the community, invite them to apply! Individual and team entries will be accepted through January 18, 2024. Learn more here.
Nominate a Student for a 4-Year US Scholarship
Each year University School awards up to ten fully-funded, four year scholarships to boys entering high school. Nominate a student entering grade nine in the fall of 2024. Submit your nomination.
Solve the Problems that Really Matter
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s (NFTE) World Series of Innovation invites young people to get involved in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students can choose from a variety of challenges to change the world with entrepreneurial thinking.
Educator Resources
December Power Hour
Join us this Thursday, Dec. 7 at 4:00 PM EST, for a Power Hour on developing creative communications skills in students. Join Nathan Minns from Green Light Improv, Marisa Matero Maury from Interactive Storytelling, and Permjot Valia, Goodwill Ambassador to the State of Arkansas, to learn about innovative ways to build communications skills in your students. Register here.
Free PBL Webinar on Dec. 7
Wave goodbye to project-planning frustrations! Diondraya Taylor from Mindset & Milestones, is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 PM EST for 5 actionable steps that not only elevate your classroom projects, but also enhance classroom engagement through real-world learning. This opportunity is perfect for middle and high school educators looking to bring entrepreneurial thinking and innovation into their classrooms. Educators also receive her new PBL e-book to transform your projects and inspire classroom interaction! Register here.
YIPPEE For Professional Learning Plans Due
Lesson plans for YIPPEE for Professional Learning are due on Dec. 11 by 11:59 PM EST. You must submit your completed lesson plans before the deadline to remain eligible for your $200 stipend and certificate of 15 contact hours or graduate credit. If you have any questions, contact us!
Makerspaces Provide an Avenue for Youth Entrepreneurship
Makerspaces serve as catalysts for young entrepreneurs to pursue their passion. In the Hudson High School makerspace, students are designing, creating, and refining finished products. With the support of YEI’s Young Entrepreneur Market Program, students can take their ideas one step further with real-life selling experiences. Visit the Hudson Makerspace Club in person on Friday, Dec. 8, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the annual Hudson-Landsberg Christkindlmarkt. Stop by to support these Young Entrepreneurs!
Welcome our New Entrepreneur in Residence
Justin Lepley is an entrepreneur, creator, and volunteer dedicated to growing opportunities in Northeast Ohio. He is the owner of the Lepley Holdings family of companies, including Lepley & Co. (plant boutique and full-service florist), Noms (an Akron eatery featuring a seasonal and vegan menu), and Solidago Business Advisors. Justin also serves as director of Northside Marketplace, where he works to help other entrepreneurs start and grow their brands. He is the founder of the Lepley & Co. Cares Fund, and is on the Board of MentorStark and CANAPI. In 2023, Justin was named a member of the 30 for the Future class by the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.
Justin is a partner of YEI and has multiple resources available on YIPPEE Exchange. He will serve as the YEI Entrepreneur in Residence from now through the 2024-25 school year. Please join us in welcoming Justin to the YEI team!
Why Entrepreneurship Might Save Our Kids — and the Rest of Us
“To be human is to be entrepreneurial.” This article, written by Katie Kimbrell in Getting Smart, encourages us to recognize the entrepreneurial mindset in everyday activities, and how building on that mindset can help your students grow. Entrepreneurship can be misunderstood, misapplied, and overlooked entirely, but when we recognize entrepreneurship as a part of everyday life we can start to build our own growth mindset. Check out the full article here!
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!