The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) aims to inspire young people from low-income communities to stay in school, to recognise business opportunities and to plan for successful future careers. It seeks to promote an entrepreneurial mindset as well as to increase problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills and self-confidence.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Ernst & Young (2012). Founders Award for Social Entrepreneurship, New York Enterprise Report (2012).
Impact evidence
- Since its founding, NFTE has served over a million students.
- 75% of NFTE alumni enroll in college, compared to 65% of low-income students overall.
- 25% of alumni start at least one business, compared to 2% of young people overall.
- 50% of alumni report earning more than the median national salary.
NFTE works through a series of teaching and training programmes, both classroom-based and online. Among these, the BizCamp programme offers intensive, one- or two-week day camps for students aged 13 to 18 who are interested in entrepreneurship. Students come up with a business idea and then work to complete a business plan. At the end of the camp, they present their plans to a panel of judges for a chance to win seed capital. BizCamps take place during the summer or during school breaks. They are offered free of charge to all participants who meet household income requirements. Activities include classroom lessons, field trips, guest speakers and a business plan competition.
In addition to the Bizcamps, the organisation has co-developed Girl Empower: the NFTE Summer Camp Experience, a two-week, intensive camp for young women, which is focused on personal discovery, leadership, entrepreneurship and teamwork.
Geographical scope
Estándares Upsocial
Innovación complementaria
Evidencia fuerte
Adaptación interregional probada
