Entrepreneurship Everywhere

Sample Entrepreneurship Education
Programs in the United States

PENNSYLVANIA

Altoona Center for Advanced Technologies

Catherine M. Albert, Senior Designer/Project Manager
Altoona Center for Advanced Technologies
842 Market Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-784-8811
Email: calbert@sunlink.net

Focus: Business planning for online products

Geographic Area: Anytime, anyplace virtual office environment

Products and Services: Futuristic Web site and online business planner

Age Level: Students in grades 5–8.

Key Partners: PA Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Bell Atlantic Corporation.

Abstract: The V.com Project, ASTRA's Enterprise-oriented Episode. The V.com Project (A Virtual Commerce Community) is an interactive business planning simulation designed to provide students with multiple opportunities to explore entrepreneurship in the context of electronic commerce. The project is part of Altoona Area School District's Advanced Science and Technology Research Academy (ASTRA). This Web-based enrichment program is an interactive simulation designed to teach students in grades 5–8 how to create a business plan and electronically market a product or service for consumers. The setting is 2075!

The learning environment features the ASTRA Sea of Tranquility Science Center, a Moon-based biosphere community and space observatory site. From a virtual location such as the Earth, students research clothing, medicine, robotics, and food markets, review on-site employee resumes, and check production space and equipment costs in order to develop a competitive and innovative online business plan and Web site to address the needs of the colonists.

The V.com Project will involve students in a number of simulated research, writing, financial, and business planning experiences designed to develop critical thinking skills, teach problem solving and group brainstorming through team work, and to master cutting-edge technologies in the area of computer usage. Additional objectives are to create an opportunity for the presentation of student projects and findings; to positively affect student attitudes regarding community economic development; and to train teachers to effectively use and integrate technologies into their classrooms.

Central Westmoreland Career Technology Center

Clentin Martin
Central Westmoreland Career Technology Center
240 Arona Road
New Stanton PA 15672
724-925-3532

Focus: Preparation for careers in telecommunications, cable, and power systems.

Geographic Area: Westmoreland County

Age Level: High school grades 9 - 12.

Key Partners: Training and equipment from Verizon Communications, Cisco, Inc., Progressive Electronics, Inc., Krone, Inc., Anixter, Inc., Graybar Electric, Inc., Allegheny Power, Inc, and many local contractors.

Abstract: Although primarily a vocational training course that focuses on technology, the program also conveys entrepreneurial knowledge to students from instructor experiences and classroom resources. It has impressive support from the above technology companies to provide a four-year competency-based course for students from ten school districts in southwestern Pennsylvania.

East Stroudsburgh High School - North

Winner of ARC Springboard Award - 2003

Carol Huffman, School to Career Coordinator
Marie Geffers, Gifted/Enrichment Specialist
TTBIZ Program
East Stroudsburgh High School - North
HC 12., Box 690
Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
570-588-4420
Email: chuffman@esasd.net

Focus: An honors course with a technology component that supports travel and tourism

Geographic Area: Pocono Mountains Resort Area, PA

Age Level: High School students

Key Partners: Junior Achievement International, Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Pocmont Resort and Conference Center, Resorts USA, Bushkill Falls, OddLot Outlet.

Abstract: TTBIZ is an interactive, internet-based educational program designed to introduce and educate high school students about the world's fastest growing industry - travel and tourism. The curriculum was created by Junior Achievement International with sponsorship of the American Express Foundation. The program teaches students that travel and tourism is a critical part of our economy. It also illustrates the wide range of career paths for young people.

In 2001 East Stroudsburgh High School offered the TTBIZ program as an honors course with a technology component in a 15 week period. Students had the opportunity to interface with marketing professionals and business owers to absorb the critical measures of success in the business world. The final group project was to develop a tourist-related business plan. The program is being replicated in other schools in the area.

Fort LeBoeuf High School

Yvonne D. Best-Proctor
Business Education Teacher
Fort LeBoeuf School District--Fort LeBoeuf High School
931 High Street
Waterford, PA 16441
814 796-2616
Fax: 814 796-2141
E-mail: bestproctor@yahoo.com
Web Page: www.fortleboeuf.net

Geographic Area: Pennsylvania

Age Level: Grades 11 and 12 are permitted to enroll in the course. Students from various backgrounds and of a variety of cognitive abilities are enrolled in the course. The course is a pre-requisite for those senior students enrolled in the Retail Management class.

Abstract: As a result of this course the student will understand entrepreneurship and define what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. The student will develop and write a business plan for a fictitious or actual business he/she would like to start. The student will understand the essential parts of a business plan including the organization of the business, the marketing plan and the financial plan.

The course outcomes and student outcomes are as follows:

1. The student will understand entrepreneurship.
2. The student will define entrepreneur.
3. The student will recognize the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
4. The student will understand the commitment that entrepreneurs make.
5. The student will learn to set personal goals.
6. The students will meet local entrepreneurs and discuss challenges that face entrepreneurs.
7. The students will write a business plan.
8. The student will describe the business for which he/she will write a business plan.
9. The student will study the market to ensure there is a need for his/her product or service.
10. The student will design an operational plan.
11. The student will determine the location of the business.
12. The student will determine the management and personnel make-up of the business.
13. The student will develop a marketing plan.
14. The student will define the market segments of his/her business.
15. The student will define all products and services his/her business will provide.
16. The student will design an advertising plan including print material and media.
17. The student will develop a budget for marketing and advertising.
18. The student will understand the necessary financial planning of a small business.
19. The student will compute initial capital investments.
20. The student will analyze sources of capital available.
21. The student will project operating budgets.
22. The student will maintain financial records.
23. The student will present the information for the business plan in a PowerPoint presentation.

GOT CRAYONS?

C.H.A.N.C.E. (Communities Helping to Advance the Nurturing of Children's Empowerment)

David Salome,
139 W. Market Street
Suite C
West Chester, PA 19380
610- 430-3440
Email: dsalome@prodigy.net
Web site: www.gotcrayons.org

Abstract: This program is a voluntary approach to reach out to the community and have an unparalleled impact upon its youth. We provide students access to tools, information, and other resources necessary to unleash their fullest potential. We create an environment in which these students can unlock their minds, explore vast new resources, and soar with endless possibilities. We are a new organization in Chester County dedicated to helping the children of our community reach their fullest potential and believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Researchers increasingly conceptualize poor educational performance as the outcome of a process of disengagement that may begin as early as a child's entry into school (Finn, 1989; Kelly, 1989; Merchant, 1987; Rumberger, 1987; Natriello, 1984). According to this model, students who do not identify with, and participate and succeed in, school activities become increasingly at risk of academic failure and dropout. In order to improve student achievement and persistence, the model suggests that the school climate must foster "investment" behavior—schools must encourage student involvement in academic and extracurricular activities by stimulating their interest, increasing their personal resources (e.g., remediating skill deficiencies), and rewarding their efforts.

At C.H.A.N.C.E. we are developing a continuum of after-school programs that cover elementary, middle, and high school levels. At the elementary school level we are building general after-school programs. Homework help, academic tutoring, and enrichment programs including drama, art, music, dance, and much more, will be the basis of the program. The middle school program will be a content-based, exploratory technology program. We will offer the kids a chance to learn about several different aspects of technology. We have developed an entrepreneurship curriculum for grades three through five and have begun teaching it to at-risk youths.

The kids will learn about the areas of Web development, graphic design, networking, scripting, multimedia, etc., by actually working together to develop content "by kids, for kids, about kids." This hands-on approach will allow them to explore their creative and technical talents and interests. At the high school level, we move away from an exploratory model and move into a skill-building model. The purpose here is to provide kids the opportunity to develop a significant skill set that will make them marketable by the end of their time with us. We will teach kids about advanced Web development, multimedia, networking, programming, graphic design, etc. This will also be a hands-on, content-based program. Kids will learn by producing publishable content, be it a Web site, printed material, or full-scale television production that is "by kids, for kids, about kids."

Our first step is to develop a program at Caln Elementary School in the Coatesville Area School District. This program will be volunteer based, pulling on student volunteers from local universities and high schools, as well as community volunteers. We will work with the kids, using student and community volunteers, twice a week after school in a general after-school program. The program will consist of homework workshops, academic tutoring, and enrichment activities.

Service projects will also be an integral part of the program. The kids will help serve the community by doing several different mini projects (ie, making cards for the elderly, cleaning up parts of the school, making food/gift baskets for the needy, etc.). The program will be supervised by a school staff member but coordinated primarily by student and community volunteer leaders.

New Covenant Campus, The Business Center,

Pamela J. Rich-Wheeler, Executive Director
Edwina Coverson-Barnes, Program Manager
The Business Center,
New Covenant Campus
Elders Hall, Suite 113,
7500 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia PA 19119
215-247-2473
Fax: 215-247-2477
Email: pjrichwheeler@thebizctr.com
Email: edwinacbarnes@thebizctr.com
Web site: www.TheBizCtr.com

Focus: Community-based Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract: We provide access to on-going business development resources, office space, consulting, workshops and technical resources through a combination of in-house expertise and a network of community organizations.

Courses provided by the Center include:

• Pre-Assessment of Business Needs
• Before You Start - This workshop will focus on change and transition, overcoming barriers to self-employment, and assessing goals for life and business. Participants will be able to determine if entrepreneurship is right for them and how to choose the right business.
• Business Plan Workshop A motivational program created to encourage and prepare new and seasoned entrepreneurs with the information they will need to start and sustain their business. Each person will learn how to prepare a business plan from scratch. Discussions and exercises will include topics on how to research, write, and market your business concept.
• Start Your Entrepreneurial Venture Through Franchising Establishing a business from scratch may not be for everyone. Learn how the option of purchasing a franchise can work for you. Learn what a franchise is and what resources are available to you.
• Establishing Financing For Your Business Have you been wondering how you are going to finance your dream of owning a small business? Come and learn what steps you must take to start your business on a good financial foundation. Learn when to start seeking financing, how and where to network, how your personal credit affects your dream, how to calculate your start up operating expenses and much more.
• Business Certifications What certifications are available to women and minority-owned businesses? This course will cover city, state and federal certifications, with special emphasis on the distinctions and benefits of each. Learn how you can become a certified enterprise and become eligible to bid on contracts at all levels. Applications will be made available, and the application process will be discussed in detail, and assistance will be given for the completion of forms after the completion of the course.
• Young Urban Entrepreneurs Program: "I'm The BO$$!" An Urban Youth Entrepreneurs Summer Program…An exciting, motivational program that encourages and prepares youth of all ages to start their own business. Youth will learn basic characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, life skills (including budgeting and investing), the importance of the business plan, and steps on how to write a simple business plan.
• After School Youth Program … The Business Center @ New Covenant Campus will expose students to valuable skills that translate into successful business ventures, better job opportunities, and enhanced real-world skills. The program will include lessons on "What is an Entrepreneur?", "Creating a Business Plan", and "Life Skills Training."

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Center for Family Business

Cindy Iannarelli, PhD, Director
Center for Family Business
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
3038 Washington Pike
Bridgeville PA 15017
412-221-8122
Fax 412-221-0150
Email: drcindy@concentric.net
Web site: www.drcindy.com

Focus: Youth ages 10 to 15

Abstract: "The Buzz" is the first and only educational program of its kind - a comprehensive series to teach entrepreneurial skills to children ages 10 - 15 through the use of television and the internet. Just recently, after five years in development, 13 episodes of The Buzz has been contracted to appear on the Starz Encore cable network's commercial-free children's channel, WAM, beginning January, 2002. The cable channel goes to 10 million homes nationwide and 80,000 schools through Cable to the Classroom.

A corresponding internet site will feature monthly newsletter for children, parents, and teachers and additional curriculum materials for classroom use. These will include other resources along with pre and post activities for each lesson along with vocabulary words. To encourage expanded usage, each episode is designed to meet the national social studies standards and the national economics standards. The entrepreneurial environment of a family business serves as the backdrop to study the issues.

Along the way the children learn new "Buzzwords", and gain exposure to teen entrepreneurs and business in other parts of the country and throughout the world. Throughout the adventure, the gang learns the importance of teamwork, dedication, and good business sense, all with a little help from their guide, creator, Dr. Cindy.

Dr. Cindy Iannarelli is the driving force behind the design, development, and continuing success of this project. At a very young age she learned many entrepreneurial skills helping in the family dry cleaning store. She saw that children could benefit from an entrepreneurial education early in life, and the value it would have on a child's choices throughout life.

She created the first business plan competition for teens in 1983 and the first seminar for entrepreneurial parents in 1984, and entrepreneurial camps in the early 90's when she served as the training coordinator at the Small Business Development Center. She then went on to consult with family businesses, speak at their trade meetings, and train their young children. Her work in the field led her to founding the Center for Family Business at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

Her work with children has been recognized by many organizations including the Small Business Administration, The National Federation of Small Business, The Freedoms Foundation, The Family Firm Institute, and numerous media sources including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Nation's Business, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission

Kevin D. Abrams, Executive Director
NTRPDC
312 Main Street
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-265-9103 or 1-888-868-8800
Fax: 570-265-7585
Email: info@northerntier.org
Web site: www.northerntier.org

Focus: To be a leader in developing people, businesses, and communities for a globally competitive region.

Geographic Area: Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming counties

Abstract: Our mission is to help businesses expand their markets, generate employment, improve the local economy, and plan for the future development of the Northern Tier Region.

NTRPDC can help you with your:

• Financing—Take advantage of low-interest loans from federal, state, and local programs. Leverage private funds and gain access to venture capital with business-planning and loan-packaging assistance.
• Site Selection and Demographics—Find the ideal site for your business; then get hard facts on the surrounding areas, such as tax rates, crime rate, population, labor force, commuter patterns, and educational levels. Allow us to arrange a tour of the sites that meet your requirements
• Job Training—Get financial assistance to develop and tailor your workforce. During the training process, a portion of your workers’ wages is paid for, plus you can get customized job training to keep your business the technology forefront.
• Marketing—Export, sell to the government, and take advantage of customized trade leads. Get assistance with market research and international trade opportunities. Network with other participants in Pennsylvania’s PA SourceNet (an Internet-based program) to expand your opportunities.
• One-stop shopping at Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission. We mean business and more of it!

• Business financing, business planning, export development, government contracting, job training, site selection, demographics, resource center, infrastructure development, PA SourceNet, and seminars and workshops.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA)

Northeastern-Northern Tier Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Network

Karen Ostroskie,
NEPA Business Development Manager/Network Coordinator
1151 Oak Street
Pittston, PA 18640
570-655-5581
Email: kostroskie@nepa-alliance.org
Entrepreneurial Network: www.pabizhelp.com or
www.usbizhelp.com

Geographic Area: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne

Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission
Cynthia Krise, Northern Tier Information Technology Manager/Network Coordinator
312 Main Street
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-265-9103 or 1-888-868-8800
Fax: 570-265-7585
Email: krise@northerntier.org
Entrepreneurial Network: www.pabizhelp.com

Geographic Area: Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming counties

Focus: A partnership with two Local Development Districts offering on-line referrals to entrepreneurs for targeted business assistance and mentoring throughout their respective coverage areas.

Products and Services:

• www.pabizhelp.com - an interactive website/database offering entrepreneurs located in the twelve- county area in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania targeted referrals to assistance providers and mentors based on their identified business needs.
• www.usbizhelp.com - a fee-based entrepreneur network support infrastructure available to communities interested in developing and implementing an Entrepreneurial Assistance Network.

Age Levels: Any individual needing assistance in starting or expanding a business.

Key Partners: economic development organizations, private sector business assistance providers and Small Business Development Centers.

Abstract: The Northeastern/Northern Tier Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Network is an interactive website/database system of Virtual Offices where referrals are made and progress is tracked. The Network is an on-line service available 24/7.

Pennsylvania REAL Enterprises

Kathleen Chambers, Co-Program Coordinator
Laura Mesoraco, Co-Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 234
Delancey, PA 15733
Telephone: 814-938-7692
Fax: 814-938-0999
Email: kcpareal@aol.com or Email: mesoraco@penn.com
Web site: www.pareal.com

Focus: Experiential entrepreneurship education for K–16

Geographic Area: Pennsylvania

Products and Services: Comprehensive professional development program for instructors (in-service seminars, site visits); experiential, activity-based entrepreneurship curricula with integrated technology and student workbooks for high school/post-secondary ("REAL Entrepreneurship") and elementary/middle schools ("Mini/Middle REAL"); materials and support for establishing successful local and statewide programs; evaluation and documentation of student demographics, learning outcomes, and business development results; School-Based Enterprise module/training.

Age Level: Children (grades K–8), youths (grades 9–12), and adults of all ages

Key Partners: At the local level: entrepreneurs, small business assistance providers, and community development advocates through a community support team created by each local program. Organizational partners: TEAM Pennsylvania Foundation, REAL Enterprises

Abstract: Founded in the early 1980s, REAL Enterprises' mission is to help individuals, schools, communities, and rural America grow through hands-on entrepreneurship education. REAL is committed to preparing youths and adults to be active, self-sufficient, and productive citizens and effective contributors to community and economic development by creating and sustaining a national network of dynamic entrepreneurship educators supported by effective member organizations; providing high quality hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum and training for K–16 educators; advocating for experiential education and entrepreneurship; and documenting REAL's effectiveness for students and teachers. REAL serves and supports schools and teachers through nonprofit national and member organizations throughout the United States, six of which serve states in the ARC service region.

How it works: At the high school/post-secondary level, REAL guides students through the process of creating small businesses of their own design. The process includes:

• Self-assessment to determine students' potential and existing marketable strengths.
• Community analysis to identify needs and trends in the local economy.
• Researching/writing a comprehensive business plan for a student's chosen enterprise.
• start-up support for participants who choose to open and operate enterprises.
• A community support team of entrepreneurs and others from the local community assists each local program. REAL has been successfully integrated into existing post-secondary degree/certificate programs and has demonstrated its ability to create successful businesses.
• In elementary and middle schools, Mini/Middle REAL helps students explore entrepreneurship in the context of a fully functioning in-school community (with a "Merchant's Mall," government, revenue, and court system), understand the economic implications of career and lifestyle choices, and apply entrepreneurial practices to school-based enterprises and community needs.

Ridley School District
Biz Buds: Learning Partners in Entrepreneurship

Barbara Wark, High School Business Teacher
Ridley School District
1001 Morton Avenue
Folsom PA 19033
610-237-8034 x225
Fax 610-534-5470
Email: warkrush@aol.com
Web site: www.ridleysd.k12.pa.us

Diane Houser. Elementary Teacher, Grade 3
Grace Park Elementary School
Ridley School District
7th Avenue
Swarthmore PA 19081
610-269-8243
Email: dihouse205@aol.com

Focus: Elementary, Grade 3 and High School Entrepreneurship Students

Abstract: Biz Buds is an active interdisciplinary partnership in Entrepreneurship. High School students and grade three students combined economics and entrepreneurship to produce a cookie jar product sold at Christmas. This thematic unit also includes language arts (reading and written language) math, decision making, and cooperative group work. The objective of the project was to have students acquire experience and construct knowledge in order to resolve the problem. Students discussed alternative solutions to the plans. Students performed a business alliance and worked together cooperatively. Students marketed and sold an innovative product. Students learned and applied customer service. Students improved communication skills through teaching or just having lunch with their "buddies". Students learned the importance of community charity.

We began with both groups of students reading together Max Malone Makes A Million, by Charlotte Herman. High School students formulated their teaching theory of economic principles for grade three. On the first visit, students were already familiar with their "buddies". Students wrote letters and exchanged pictures before the initial meeting. The initial visit was a teaching scenario of economics which taught the elementary students productive, natural, human, and capital resources. The high school student designed the product. The students had lunch together at the elementary school. A video called Ump Fwat was shown. Ump was the first cave man entrepreneur. After the first visit, the entire high school group did not attend. Specific teaching groups were sent. On the second visit, trade, scarcity, supply and demand were taught with the noticeable absence of the high school teacher. Lesson 3 taught market, customers, market survey, income, expenses, and profit. All the while the high school students went on a trip to do comparative pricing, and preparation for making the product. Both groups of students did marketing surveys and then they were compared.

The last lesson was marketing. Students learned from the high school students about target market, advertising etc. Finally, the banker arrived at the elementary school with his brief case, three piece suit, and three very well dressed high school students. This was a completely new personality, another business teacher with $500 in real cash!!! The students needed to get a loan. He was the man. The grade three students had to present a mini business plan, fill out a loan application, and make him understand why they needed money.

The next activity combined both classes. At the high school, the students prepared a division of labor activity in which we prepared 150 cookie mix jars in 1.5 hours. (including lunch in the high school cafeteria). But, the project was not over. Grade three now learned about the stock market and how companies need to go public to get additional monies. Then profits were calculated and donated to the school library.

SETON HILL COLLEGE, Community-Based Collaboration:
The Girl Scouts and the National Education Center for Women in Business,

Kathleen Kladny, Youth Programming Assistant
Seton Hill College
The National Education Center for Women in Business
Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
724-830-1093
Fax: 724-834-7131
Email: Kladn89@setonhill.edu

Focus: Pairing with partners for entrepreneur education: the National Education Center for Women in Business and the Girl Scout Council of Westmoreland, PA

Geographic Area: Girl Scout Council of Westmoreland's service area

Age Level: 7th–12th graders

Key Partners: Women business owners, Westmoreland G.S. Council, G.S. cookie company

Abstract: Providing entrepreneur education to established community-based organizations is key to promoting the entrepreneurial spirit. The unique collaboration between the NECWB and the Girl Scouts of Westmoreland builds upon the Girl Scouts' skill development program by bringing forth the 7th–12th graders' entrepreneurial potential.

This program helps young women develop the skills needed to succeed in the business world and explore career opportunities, including entrepreneurship. Exposing the girls to successful female entrepreneurs as teachers and role models is essential. To enhance the skills and the process of business, these older Girl Scouts transform their Girl Scout cookie sale into a hands-on business venture, complete with business and financial plans and marketing strategies.

The Trehab Center

Shirley C. Masters, Microbusiness Development Specialist
37 College Avenue
P.O. Box 46
Factoryville, PA 18419
570-945-5986
Fax: 570-945-5843
Email: Trehabky@eplx.net

Abstract: Trehab's mission is to assist persons with limited resources who have a personal vision for self-employment and small business initiatives by providing hands-on practical training, peer mentoring, and a support network.

Participants are matched with volunteer mentors who encourage and counsel participants as they develop or grow their business. Mentors help participants learn the practical realities of the business world and ways to solve problems.

Trehab is a program offered by the Trehab Center and funded through the Susquehanna County Commissioners by the Community Development Block Grant and the Community Services Block Grant.

Trehab provides a six-week training course that teaches the basics in setting up and running a small business. During the course, participants complete a business plan workbook that serves as a blueprint for their business. The training curriculum includes:

• Challenge of entrepreneurship
• Your behavior style and your business
• Business Plan
• Competition and Positioning
• Pricing
• Building Your Market Plan
• Making the Sale
• Promotion and Advertising
• Your Computer and your Business
• Financial record Keeping
• Financial statements
• Cash Flow
• Taxes
>
• Loans/Financing Your Business
• Legal Issues
• Insurance
• Management
• Next Steps
• Motivation

University of Pennsylvania

Carrissa A. Griffing, MCIS
Entrepreneurship in Education Program Coordinator
Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
214-756-2743 (office)
Email: griffing@gse.upenn.edu

These opportunities include:

• Education Track of the Wharton Business Plan Competition (WBPC)
• Academic courses and programs in entrepreneurship at Penn GSE
• Summer Institute in Entrepreneurship for K-12 educators

The second component of the program includes coursework in entrepreneurship offered at the Graduate School of Education. Course participants explore roles for entrepreneurship in education, study current cases of entrepreneurship in the K-12 sector and learn how to develop their ideas into business plans.

The Entrepreneurship in Education Summer Institute reaches outside the university to teach educators how to launch new ventures or implement entrepreneurship curricula at their schools. The institute is an excellent way for teachers and other educational professionals to develop their ideas for new educational programs and businesses.

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN:

Wharton Business Plan Competition (Education Track):
The Education Track of the Wharton Business Plan Competition was developed to encourage and support students who have entrepreneurial ideas for the K-12 sector of the education industry. Proposed new ventures in the Education Track seek to improve the efficiency, access, or quality of student learning or the management of educational enterprises.

Education Track teams compete against all other BPC participants for $40,000 in general prize money; the winner of the Education Track is awarded up to $10,000 in supplemental prize money awarded by Goldman Sachs Foundation.

Participation in the competition provides more than just access to capital. Students have the opportunity to gain entrepreneurship and leadership skills from one of the country's finest business schools. Through judging and mentoring activities, the student teams receive valuable advice and feedback. At each phase of the competition, Education Track plans are reviewed by at least one education judge who is a seasoned expert in the field of education. Education track judges are drawn from educational investment companies and other industry professionals.

Graduate Education Course in Entrepreneurship
Each year, the Penn Graduate School of Education offers a graduate-level course on educational and social entrepreneurship. Course participants explore roles for entrepreneurship in education, study current cases of entrepreneurship in the K-12 sector, and learn principles and practices of entrepreneurship. Throughout the duration of the course, students pursue an idea for an education-related business and develop that idea into a business plan.

Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership
In 2001, the first cohort of 24 students began the Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Penn GSE. This non-traditional, executive-style doctoral, program is designed to prepare leaders for educational institutions and careers in the private sector. It features curricular strands in instructional, organizational and public leadership and elective opportunities in entrepreneurship. Collaborative teaching opportunities are being explored with Wharton faculty. The program continues to generate tremendous interest, and admission to the program has proved to be extremely competitive.

EIE Summer Institute
The University of Pennsylvania/Goldman Sachs Foundation's Entrepreneurship in Education Program offers an annual summer institute for K-12 educators. This three-day institute provides participants with the information and skills they will need in order to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas. During the institute, participants learn how to write a business plan, explore case studies of entrepreneurship in education, and hear from speakers who have launched entrepreneurial ventures, both in and out of schools. Participants can pursue specialized interests including how to implement entrepreneurship curricula at their schools.

University of Scranton Small Business Development Center

Susan Dillon, Business Consultant
Small Business Development Center
The University of Scranton Outreach Office
c/o Penn College of Technology
RR3 Box 436
Wellsboro, PA 16901
Phone: 1-800-829-7232
Fax: 570-724-5890
E-mail: Dillons2@uofs.edu
Web site: http://www.pasbdc.org/scranton

Abstract: Our purpose is to help small businesses grow and succeed. Among the services we offer is high-quality business consulting for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants provide clients with guidance, education, and objective feedback. Consultants can provide one-on-one assistance in reviewing and revising any aspect of a small business. Information about available assistance can be obtained by calling or emailing. Appointments are necessary in order to use the services of the SBDC and must be scheduled with the outreach consultants.

The SBDC at the University of Scranton (one of 16 across the state of PA) is a resource created to serve small business owners in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Goals of the SBDC are to help entrepreneurs develop business plans that work, to help small business owners operate safe and efficient businesses, to help small businesses find financing and manage financial and human resources wisely, and to help small businesses gain access to new and expanding markets across the state, the nation, and the world.

The University of Scranton SBDC operates an outreach location in Tioga County at the North Campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology in Wellsboro. This location is staffed by an outreach business consultant who also makes regular visits to meet with clients at the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission office located in Towanda (Bradford County). Seminars are held at both locations; call for a free brochure of scheduled events, which is also available by calling the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission at 1-888-868-8800.

Worldwide Information Sources for Entrepreneurs (WISE). The best sources of accurate and timely information to the answers you need to build your business can be found in computer databases and other electronic sources. The 16 SBDCs across the state have access to these sources and can guide you in how to use them.

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers give you access to timely, relevant, and detailed information critical to making successful business decisions, including: Articles from trade and specialized industry newsletters; reports from financial analysts; articles from major newspapers, magazines, and wire services from around the world; and summaries of current university and government research projects.

WISE includes use of online resources, CD-ROM resources, software programs, export and government sales leads, and Internet resources. Each SBDC also includes a library of directories, periodicals, and government publications.

How WISE Works. The first step is to meet with an SBDC consultant to assess your information needs. The consultant will then work with you to structure your research. You will be guided through formulating your questions, choosing databases and resources, and conducting the search. You don't need your own computer, modem, or other equipment. The SBDC has the tools that are necessary to conduct research for the answers your business needs.

Young Men's Christian Association

Susan Fleck
Youth Job Service
Young Men's Christian Association
1111 Hewitt Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
814-695-4467 xt. 211

Focus: Job training for youth

Geographic Area: Hollidaysburg area

Age Level: Youth younger than 16

Key Partners: Blair County Human Services Office, Communities that Care, local schools,

Abstract: The YMCA provides a service filling local youth employment needs. They provide job training, screen all job requests, inspect each job site for safety and feasibility of completion of the jobs, and assigns the workers to each job accepted. All jobs are 100% guaranteed. Mentoring relationships have been formed between the volunteer community members who offer training and the youth workers. When the students leave the program at age 16 they have job experience that enables them to find employment in the community.

The Youth LIFE Program

Ellen Kyzer, Youth Programs Director
The Youth LIFE Program
Human Services Center Corporation
519 Penn Ave
Turtle Creek, PA 15145
412-829-7112
Fax: 412-829-4363
Email: hscc@nb.net
Web Page: http://www.hscc-mvpc.org/youthprograms.html

Abstract: The Youth LIFE Program serves 60 youths between the ages of nine and 18 from the Monongahela Valley of Allegheny County. The students participate in the Youth LIFE Program at no cost to their families. The youths and families of the Monongahela Valley represent a low-income population. According to the 1999 Human Services Center Survey, 42 percent of the center's visitors have a total household income of less than $10,000. Furthermore, 20 percent of all families living in the Monongahela Valley communities are headed by single females. Eight of the ten communities with the highest incidence of single-parent families in Allegheny County are in the Monongahela Valley.

The Youth LIFE Program provides students with a safe and educational place to spend their weekday afternoons. The program includes the implementation of training opportunities, job shadowing, age- and skill-appropriate tutorial classes, educational seminars, self-improvement classes, cultural field trips, recreational activities, and community service projects. The program operates five days a week for the duration of the school year. The Human Services Center is open until 10:00 p.m. on weeknights, affording a safe place for youths to participate in activities until their parents leave work.

The program begins with youths engaging in recreational activities from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Following recreation, youths can attend an educational seminar from an external agency for one hour. The remainder of their time will be spent doing homework and using on-site tutorial services, going on cultural trips, working on community service projects, as well as attending training and entrepreneurship workshops.

Youths involved in the Youth LIFE Program also have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing day activities, the Carnegie Science Center Biz Camp, and several entrepreneurship workshops. Activities such as Roller Coaster Tycoon, career cluster identification games, and resume writing and interview skills instruction are offered to interested youths.

Having the Youth LIFE Program at a central, convenient location such as the Human Services Center allows youths from various regions of the Monongahela Valley to take advantage of the academic services and resources offered at the center.

PUERTO RICO

University of Puerto Rico

R.K. Asundi, Professor,
David Muñoz, Assistant Professor,
University of Puerto Rico (Mayagüez Campus)
787-832-4040 x. 2039,
Fax: 787-832-5320
E-mail: asundi-r@rigel.uprm.edu
Web page: www.uprm.edu

Focus: A comparative random sample study and analysis of university students drawn from the general student body and those taking entrepreneurship courses. Analysis to help asses the impact of entrepreneurship programs and the changes to improve the course content and conduct.

Geographic Area: Puerto Rico

Abstract: In recent years entrepreneurship education programs have been growing rapidly in the various universities and colleges both in the United States and here in Puerto Rico. A number of colleges in Puerto Rico offer a variety of courses and programs on entrepreneurship.

Following a brief overview of the salient features of these courses in PR Universities this paper addresses the issue of 'To what extent students taking entrepreneurship courses are likely to became entrepreneurs. To study this issue a comparative survey of university students taking entrepreneurship courses and the general student body is being undertaken. A survey study of a sample of 1432 students with different majors in several university campuses in PR is undertaken. The survey aims to asses the extent to which college students are interested in pursing entrepreneurial activity. This survey is followed by another survey of students (approximate sample 200) undertaking entrepreneurship courses to identify their tendency to pursue entrepreneurial activity. The comparative survey study and statistical analysis will allow us to identify any statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to their expected entrepreneurial activity pursuit.

The questionnaire is being designed to also help identify the impact of the courses to motivate students to look into entrepreneurial activities as a life style choice. Further the survey will help to identify the course components, topics and classroom activities that contribute to student's satisfaction with the courses as well as their confidence

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