Why is entrepreneurship in education such a hot topic?
In today's rapidly evolving world, the demand for adaptable, resilient, and creative thinkers is greater than ever. These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of modern careers and driving innovation across industries. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, skills such as analytical thinking, creativity, and flexibility are among the top competencies required in the workforce. By fostering these abilities through education and training, we can better prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future.
That’s where entrepreneurship education stands out. By fostering durable skills through entrepreneurship programs, INCubatoredu not only exposes students to potential career paths but also prepares students for lifelong success [short video].
"INCubatoredu helps students see their potential. Even if they don’t pursue entrepreneurship, the skills they gain—problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability—set them up for success in any career path."
~ Emily Wilhelms, INCubatoredu Teacher, Rockford Public Schools
Why Durable Skills Matter
Durable skills, as defined by America Succeeds, are the bedrock of personal and professional growth. These include problem-solving, leadership, creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience—traits that remain relevant regardless of industry or job function. Unlike technical skills, which may become obsolete over time, durable skills adapt and grow, helping students navigate the ever-changing workforce.
Entrepreneurship education introduces these skills in a uniquely impactful way. Students drive their own learning through real-world scenarios. Students are working to solve problems they care about, and they learn how to collaborate, pivot, and persevere through challenges. One INCubatoredu teacher reflected, “This class isn’t about just opening a textbook or solving equations. It’s about engaging students in work that directly translates to the real world, which makes learning far more relatable and meaningful.”
The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship Education
At its core, entrepreneurship is about connection—linking ideas to action,
individuals to teams, and students to their communities. INCubatoredu and mxINCedu (for middle school students) invite the participation of local mentors and business leaders to provide students with authentic learning experiences. These connections do more than enrich the curriculum—they inspire students around career paths, and to see their potential in making a meaningful impact.
For example, the INCubatoredu course culminates in a final pitch event, and these exemplify the power of community involvement. Students present their business ideas to a panel of judges, often composed of local entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders. These events not only validate the students' hard work but also allow students to build meaningful connections that can open doors for future opportunities.
One teacher shared, "INCubatoredu provides a sense of empowerment. Students realize, 'I can do this, even if I’m not the valedictorian or from the upper echelon of the community. I have tools now that I wouldn’t have learned any other way.'" This powerful realization can spark a lifetime of confidence and determination.
Mixing things up in middle school
Similarly, mxINCedu, middle school entrepreneurship transforms how students interact with their communities. In the fall of 2023, nearly 200 middle school students participated in the program under the guidance of teacher Ina Pascal, middle school teacher at Highland Middle School. They embarked on an entrepreneurial journey from ideation to pitch, utilizing real-world tools and methodologies to bring their business ideas to life. The program culminated in a community showcase where students presented their products in a marketplace setting.
The event featured six judges, attracted 300 parents, and showcased 50
innovative products, including TramVac—a vacuum designed to clean trampolines—and CATRAT, a cat toy that dispenses food to encourage activity. Reflecting on the experience, Pascal shared, "I was blown away by one of my teams…they created a comic book about mental health called 'Todd the Fisherman.' They explained that some of their friends deal with bullying and other challenges, and perhaps this could be a solution to their pain. The fact that these students had such empathy for others made my heart sing. It is gratifying to see entrepreneurship skills give students an avenue to help others."
It is gratifying to see entrepreneurship skills give students an avenue to help others.
~ Ina Pascal, mxINCedu, middle school teacher
These experiences highlight how community engagement in entrepreneurship education enriches student learning and fosters empathy, innovation, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Real-World Learning in Action
Entrepreneurship education thrives on real-world challenges. INCubatoredu immerses students in a hands-on experience where they identify problems, develop solutions, and bring their ideas to life using a business model canvas. The process is messy, iterative, and profoundly transformative.
Consider the story of Kat Mena, Barrington High School and INCubatoredu alum. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “It’s a different kind of education... this class has changed education.” For Kat and countless others, entrepreneurship education is not just about starting a business—it’s about developing a mindset of curiosity, initiative, and resilience that applies to any field.
And for another INCubatoredu alum in Texas, Kiara Valenzuela, she sees the lifelong benefits..."I didn't continue with the business I created, but the class prepared me for my life." [Short Video]
Students also discover their potential to apply classroom learning to real-life challenges. Another teacher said, “Whether you want to start a business or not, your hands have been in every aspect, and you’ve learned every piece. This gives students a taste of something they didn’t know existed—or completely changes their opinion of what they like and don’t like.”
Building Resilience and Adaptability
One of the most valuable lessons students gain from entrepreneurship education is the ability to embrace failure. In these programs, failure isn’t seen as a setback but as a stepping stone to success. Students learn to reflect on their mistakes, pivot their strategies, and move forward with newfound insights.
Johnny Palumbo, another INCubatoredu alum, and startup founder, SimplifyTech, hared, "My INCubatoredu business was a complete failure, and I learned so much from it...so now when I hire new staff, I'm not hiring people to succeed, I'm hiring people to fail so we can learn, because as a young company learning critical."
"...so now when I hire new staff, I'm not hiring people to succeed, I'm hiring people to fail so we can learn..."
~Johnny Palumbo, INCubatoredu alum and startup founder
Empowering Students to Lead Bold Futures
Entrepreneurship doesn’t just teach business concepts; it transforms how students see themselves and their potential. Students gain confidence and clarity about their future by engaging with mentors, collaborating with peers, and tackling real-world challenges.
A teacher remarked, “INCubatoredu gives students a sense of empowerment they didn’t have before. By the end of the year, they know, ‘I just did this—I can absolutely take on bigger challenges in the future.’” This empowerment sets the stage for bold futures, where students feel ready to take on any challenge, whether as entrepreneurs, professionals, or innovators.
A Call to Action
Entrepreneurship education isn’t just about launching startups; it’s about launching bold futures.
As educators, parents, and community leaders, we have a responsibility to champion programs that foster durable skills and entrepreneurial mindsets. These are the tools that will empower the next generation to not only navigate but thrive in an uncertain world.
Entrepreneurship education connects students to their communities, equips them with lifelong skills, and inspires them to make an impact. It’s not just a curriculum—it’s a launchpad for the future.
Reach out to connect. We'd welcome the opportunity to support your exploration of entrepreneurship for your students.
