Why does the high school system in the United States need entrepreneur curriculum? What is an entrepreneur and why is this skill set essential for survival in the 21st century? An entrepreneur is defined as a person who organizes or operates a business (source 7). My beliefs are that being an entrepreneur is much larger and important than the stated definition. Being an entrepreneur encompasses possessing a skill set to survive and thrive in the 21st century. Fostering youth entrepreneurship skills raises awareness of career opportunities. This in turn helps reduce the vulnerability and poverty of todays youth (source 5). You might think I am over reacting about the severity of the situation but consider this fact; 54% of young adults 18-24 currently do not have jobs. This is the lowest rate in 60 years. Many of these young adults are being forced into the role of an entrepreneur out of a necessity to survive (source 10). Couple the unemployment rate with the fact that student debt is approaching 1 trillion dollars and you can understand the urgent need to provide entrepreneur curriculum (Source 2).
Is there a demand among todays youth for entrepreneur curriculum? 90% of high school teachers and counselors say that students are interested in becoming entrepreneurs yet 75% do not know where to start (source 9). 45% of college students polled said they plan to start their own business and 42% said they plan to invent something that advances the world (source 9).
Is entrepreneur curriculum another opportunity for the elite student to widen the achievement gap? Studies are showing that entrepreneur courses are keeping At Risk students engaged in school (source 1). Additionally, students in entrepreneurship programs are showing a 32% increase in interest in going to college and a 42% increase in occupational aspirations. Could entrepreneur curriculum be the missing link?
So where does todays student start? Opportunities to get entrepreneur training can be difficult to find. However, entrepreneur education is improving as there is a growing number of training opportunities (source 1). The Consortium for Entrepreneur Education provides opportunities for students to create their own business system that supports innovation and creativity (source 3). One mission of the 21st century learning design is to develop more innovative teachers (source 4).
Students who are A-G bound, career tech ed or even at risk are finding entrepreneurship training essential in surviving in the 21st century.
1) http://neatoday.org/2011/07/19/engaging-students-through-ent
2) http://www.aft.org/emags/oc/oc_fall2013/index.html#/8/
3) http://www.entre-ed.org/roadmap/
4) http://www.itlresearch.com
5) http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/secondary-education/entrepreneurship-education/
6) http://www.oecd.org/site/cfecpr/39137885.pdf
7) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
8) http://www.nfte.com/why/research
9) http://www.cnbc.com/id/48551848
10) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/09/employment-rate-young-adults_n_1264241.html
